Nahavandian: West Sanctions Against Iran Cannot Affect Iran-Turkey Trade

Ankara, Feb 6, IRNA – Head of Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Mines (ICCIM) Mohammad Nahavandian said on Wednesday that western sanctions against Iran cannot affect Iran-Turkey trade relations and exchanges. Nahavandian, who is in Istanbul to attend the 15th meeting of board of directors of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (ICCIA), told reporters that global economy needs more trade. ˈThe sanctions would not harm just a single country, rather it would impact all the trade partners of the country under sanctions.ˈ He added that the crises due to political rows and differences, should be settled through talks and diplomatic channels and imposing sanctions was not a proper solution to the problem. He referred to extensive volume of commercial relations between Turkey and Iran and said the western sanctions against Iran would not impact trade between Iran and Turkey. Nahavandian then noted that if the sanctions could change Iranˈs political behavior, then it should be said that western sanctions have failed to do so. He emphasized that Iran and Turkey care about their own interests. ˈBy promoting relations with its neighbors, Turkey has taken a wise strategy. Turkeyˈs focus on other markets at the time of global economic crisis was a very wise decision.ˈ The Iranian official referred to Turkeyˈs economy as a progressive one and said, ˈPromotion of Iranˈs economic relations with Turkey is highly meaningful and commercial relationship between the two countries are not limited to exchange of goods rather it includes investment. Many Iranian companies have invested in Turkey and registration of Iranian companies in Turkey has shown a more speedy growth compared to similar foreign companies. We plan to invest in the construction, tourism and energy sectors of Turkey in coming years.ˈ/end