Iran-Turkey Should Enjoy Balanced Ties : Expert

Tehran, Jan 29, IRNA – Senior expert on the Middle East issues Sadeq Maleki said Iran and Turkey should enjoy balanced economic ties. He made the remarks here on Wednesday in an exclusive interview with IRNA. Stressing the need for expansion of Tehran-Ankara economic ties, and pointing to the ongoing visit to Tehran of Turkish Prime Minister Recept Teyyip Erdogan, he said the trip is important since it is taking place as the outcome of the government’s particular focus on improving ties with the neighboring countries among which Turkey enjoys very special position. Expressing happiness over foreign strategy of the current Iranian government which focuses on promoting justice and rationality and safeguarding the national interests, he said Turkey undoubtedly has discerned changes in the Iranian policies in all areas and is keen to tune ties with Iran based on mutual interests. Referring to change in Turkey’s approach towards regional issues including the Syrian crisis, the expert said good relations with Iran will help the ruling party in Ankara improve its image among voters in the elections. He said Turkey supports Iran’s peaceful nuclear program because Tehran’s efforts and achievements in this area pave the way for other regional states to initiate their own nuclear programs. Pointing to trade ties between the two countries, he said a balance should be created in bilateral commerce with Iran improving its exports to Turkey. Erdogan, heading a high-ranking delegation, arrived in Tehran for a two-day visit upon the invitation of First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri. During his visit, the meeting of Iran-Turkey joint economic commission will also be held after a two-year delay. Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, Minister of Development Cevdet Yilmaz, Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci and Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Taner Yıldız are accompanying Premier Erdogan. While in Tehran, Erdogan is to hold separate meetings with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, President Rouhani, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and First Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri./end