Larijani: Iran-Turkmenistan Ties Not Belonging To Specific Period

Ashghabat, Aug 8, IRNA – Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani said on Saturday that Iran-Turkmenistan relations are historical, not belonging to a specific juncture. Larijani, talking to Turkmen Foreign Minister in Ashghabat, said that a strategy should be drawn up for relations between the two countries. He said, “We consider Turkmenistan our brotherly and good neighborly country. The views of Turkmen president are very important and relations between the two countries would undergo great development if the views are translated into action.” Thanking Turkmen officials for their warm hospitality, Larijani said during the visit, the views of the two sides came closer. He touched on sustainable economic relations between Iran and Turkmenistan and said economic cooperation should not be affected under different conditions so that the activists would have the opportunity to make plans. On extradition of prisoners, he said that agreement should be reached for extradition of prisoners so they must serve their prison terms in their own home country. He noted that Iranian Majlis is ready to adopt such a law. He said lifting visa issuance would give way to considerable growth in mutual trade. Turkmen Foreign Minister Rasit Meredev said for his part that Turkmen economic commission would look for ways to expand bilateral trade in consultation with foreign ministry and the first meeting of the commission will be held in Ashghabat. He also urged lifting visa issuance and repair of the holy Shrine of Imam Reza (AS) in Iran, that has been registered in the UNESCO list. So, Iranian experts should travel to Merv to find ways and means to repair the monument, he added./end