Iran-Turkey ties beneficial to region

Iranian First Vice President Mohammad-Reza Rahimi has stressed the importance of strengthening relations with Turkey, saying it is in line with mutual and regional interests.

“Security and stability of the region will play a constructive role in (promoting) trade ties among neighboring countries,” Rahimi said in a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu in Istanbul on Thursday.

He added that enhancing ties between Tehran and Ankara was a priority for Iran.

Rahimi said Tehran and Ankara should materialize plans to increase the value of trade exchanges to $30 billion.

He also highlighted the importance of bolstering cooperation between the two countries’ private sector and said, “We intend to promote economic cooperation with Turkey, Syria, Iraq and other countries in the region.”

Davutoglu, for his part, said that no obstacle can prevent the two countries from bolstering relations in various spheres.

The Iranian first vice president arrived in Ankara on Wednesday on a two-day visit to hold talks with senior Turkish officials.