Zarif, Erdogan Discuss Bilateral Ties, Regional Developments

Ankara, Jan 5, IRNA – Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif who is visiting Turkey at the invitation of his Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu met with Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan. 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