FM: Dialog, Only Solution To Syria Crisis

Tehran, Nov 2, IRNA – Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said there are no solutions other than dialogue for the Syrian crisis. He made the remarks in a meeting with his Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu Friday evening. During the meeting, Zarif stressed Iran’s principled views on the need to settle the Syrian crisis through diplomacy and Syrian-Syrian talks. He said now after elapse of a long time all parties have come to the conclusion that the military ways will not help settle crisis in Syria but add to the problem of sectarian extremism in the region which is a danger to the whole world as well as the region. Reviewing bilateral relations in political and economic areas especially in energy and transportation sectors, he stressed the need for utilizing all potentials of both countries to boost ties. Zarif said the will of Iranian and Turkish officials to elevate mutual cooperation in all areas is a significant support for expanding ties. Davutoglu pointed to the historic ties between the two countries and stressed the importance of continuation of exchange of delegations. Zarif arrived in Istanbul Friday morning for a meeting with President Abdullah Gul and delivering a speech in Paguash Conference before departing for Ankara./end