Zarif, Davutoglu Review Bilateral Ties In Ankara

Ankara, Jan 5, IRNA – Iranian and Turkish foreign ministers in a meeting in Istanbul on Saturday evening discussed bilateral ties and regional developments. Mohammad Javad Zarif and Ahmet Davutoglu met after the Iranian foreign ministers meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday. The Iranian and Turkish foreign ministers attended a joint press conference after their meeting on Saturday. Zarif who is visiting Turkey at the invitation of Davutoglu met with Erdogan earlier in the day. Zarif was welcomed by Turkish officials, Iranian Ambassador to Ankara Alireza Bigdeli upon his arrival in Istanbul. He said that the main purpose for his visit to Turkey is to strengthen bilateral ties, and said, We have good relations with Turkey which needs to be expanded. Upon his arrival in Istanbul, Zarif told reporters that danger of terrorism, extremism, Takfiri groups and foreign intervention in the region have jeopardized international peace and security. Zarif said extremism, Takfiri groups and foreign intervention are dangerous not only for Iran and Turkey, but for the entire regional countries. He said that the goal of his visit is holding bilateral meetings and consultation with Turkish officials. Referring to his talks with the Turkish officials on regional and international issues, Zarif said that Iran and Turkey share common stance on many issues despite having differences about certain other issues. As for Turkey’s stance on Syria, Zarif hoped that regarding expansion of extremism in the region, the viewpoints of Turkish officials would get closer to reality. The Iranian foreign minister will return to Tehran tomorrow./end