Prudence will solve Russia-Turkey row over downed jet: Iran FM

Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says the recent escalation of tensions between Moscow and Ankara over Turkey’s downing of a Russian jet can be settled through mutual discretion and prudence.

“I am confident that the problem that has recently emerged between two of our neighboring and friend countries in the region (Turkey and Russia) will be settled through the two sides’ prudence and discretion, and all of us will be able to fight the main problem in the region and in the world, namely terrorism,” Zarif said in a message to Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Friday.

He also called for the further promotion of mutual cooperation between Tehran and Ankara, saying that constant consultations between the two sides would play a positive role in finding solutions to issues facing the region and the Muslim world, which is now in a “very sensitive and complicated” situation.

Turkey shot down a Russian Sukhoi Su-24M jet inside Syria on Tuesday, claiming that the aircraft violated the Turkish airspace. Russia rejects Turkey’s claim, saying it did not enter the country’s skies.

The aircraft’s two pilots ejected as it was going down in flames. One of them was killed by militants in Syria, while the second was picked up by the Syrian army.

Necessity for restraint between Russia, Turkey

Meanwhile, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian also on Friday called on Moscow and Ankara to exercise restraint in dealing with the rising tension between the two countries over the downing of the Russian jet by Turkey.

“Under the circumstances that Russia is fighting terrorist groups, targeting aircraft which is battling terrorists is a mistake,” Amir-Abdollahian said, emphasizing that all efforts should be directed at fighting terrorism.

The shooting down incident has heightened tensions in the relations between Russia and Turkey.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has demanded that Ankara apologize over the incident. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has, however, responded by saying that Turkey does not owe Russia an apology over the matter.