Iran-Turkey Ties At Highest Level In Past 400 Years: Turkish FM

Ankara, Jan 8, IRNA -- Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu here on Saturday underlined that Iran-Turkey ties were at the highest level in the past 400 years, adding that there is no hidden competence between the two states. In an interview with the TV network ‘Khabar Tork’, he said Iran is a friendly neighboring country of Turkey and a strong and civilized country in the region. Turkey’s ties with Iran are positive. Contrary to the claims of certain media, there is no power struggle or hidden competence between the two neighboring states, he underlined. Davutoglu admitted there are some differences between Iran and Turkey and said, “We discuss the issues frankly with our Iranian friends.” Current Iran-Turkey relations are at their highest level compared to those in the past 400 years, he said. Commenting on Iran’s significant role in the political equation of the region, he said that Iran is a powerful country with an ancient civilization. In terms of political geography, consultations between the two states will help ward off possible threats, he said. Stating that some intend to create discord between the Shiites and Sunnis, he added that regional countries should help neutralize such threats. Davutoglu during a Tehran visit last week discussed issues of mutual interest in separate meetings with senior Iranian officials./end