Turkish FM says Turkey and Iran have deep rooted relations

ANKARA (A.A) - January 4, 2012 - Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said on Wednesday that relations between Turkey and Iran had roots deep in history. Replying to questions of AA correspondent, Davutoglu said regarding his upcoming visit to Iran that he had earlier visited Iran nine or ten times during nuclear talks. "I will pay a visit to Iran again. We will discuss all issues in detail with Iranian officials," he said, adding that there was a busy traffic on mutual talks between Turkey and Iran. "Turkey and Iran have deep rooted relations. The relationship has a tradition and the two countries are aware of their positions. Although disagreements take place from time to time, the two countries have a diplomatic way to solve problems by holding talks," he said. "We will discuss all issues such as Iraq, Syria, regional matters, bilateral relations and Gulf Region during talks," he said. "(EU Foreign Policy Chief Catherine) Ashton asked for Turkey's contribution during our last meeting in Brussels. I conveyed it to Mr. Salehi. We will have opportunity to take up issues such as resumption of nuclear talks, Syria, Iraq, the Middle East," he said. Both parties had will to resume nuclear talks, he said.  Davutoglu said that he would also visit Russia within one month to hold comprehensive talks there. Several issues such as Caucasus, Central Asia, Black Sea Economic Cooperation, Syria and the Middle East would be discussed during his visit to Russia, he said. Foreign Minister Davutoglu said that later he would pay a visit to the United States in February, stating that he would discuss several matters with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Within this month, Turkey-Iran-Azerbaijan tripartite meeting would also be held, he said. "We will hold meetings with all relevant parties and organizations in a month. What is important is to reduce tension in our region," he said. Davutoglu said that they also attached a great importance to start of a reform process in Syria and a national consensus in Iraq, stating that they would also hold talks on these matters with Iran. Davutoglu said that he would also attend a meeting of foreign ministers of EU at the end of January. Answering another questions on messages to Iran, Davutoglu said that Turkey and Iran had a well-functioning communication channel, stating that Tehran agreement showed that Iran had a full confidence in Turkey. Turkey was loyal to commitments that it made to Iran, he said. "Of course, there can be disagreements. The two countries have different views on Syria. Each country has its own perspectives and stances. However, we can discuss these matters. Syrian people are friends of Turkey and Iran," he said. Davutoglu said everyone in the region was friends and brothers, stating that if Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had not been in a war with its own people, there would not have been any problems. Turkey always made friendly recommendations to Syria, he added.