Iran, Turkey must fight terrorism: Iranian VP

Iran’s First Vice President Es’haq Jahangiri says close cooperation between Iran and Turkey is very essential to counter terrorist groups.

“Given the critical and sensitive situation in the region and efforts by foreign powers to take advantage of the conditions, a rise in the exchange of views as well as extensive consultations between the two countries are of special significance,” Jahangiri said in a Sunday telephone conversation with Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu.

He added that Iran is keen to have the highest possible level of cooperation with Turkey in different fields.

Jahangiri expressed regret over the Saturday twin bomb blasts in Turkey’s capital city of Ankara, which took a major toll on a peaceful rally, and said Iran is ready to render medical assistance to the victims of the terrorist attack.

On Saturday, twin bomb explosions targeted activists who had gathered outside Ankara’s main train station for a peace rally organized by a leftist and pro-Kurdish opposition groups. Ankara says 95 people were killed and over 245 more wounded in the attack. However, the pro-Kurdish People’s Democratic Party (HDP) says the death toll is at least 128.

The Iranian official said that the Middle East region has turned into a safe haven for terrorist groups, adding, “Stability and security of the region depend on peace in all regional countries.”

Davutoglu, for his part, said Iran and Turkey must enhance bilateral cooperation to fight terrorist groups given the ongoing sensitive situation in the region.

Larijani’s message of condolences

Meanwhiel, in a message of condolences to his Turkish counterpart Ismet Yılmaz on Monday, Iran’s Parliament (Majlis) Speaker Ali Larijani condemned the terrorist bombings in Ankara.

“I am confident that terrorists’ efforts to harm security and peace of the friend country of Turkey will fail,” Larijani said.

The Turkish government has declared three days of national mourning over the blasts, with the premier saying that there were “strong signs” that the attacks were carried out by two bombers who blew themselves up.