In a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu in Tehran on Monday, Raeisi said, “Iran and Turkey should be ready to upgrade ties from current levels to comprehensive cooperation by finalizing the roadmap being drafted by the two nations,” President.ir reported.
The top official said that measures aimed at expansion of ties between neighboring countries can improve peace and stability in the region.
He said that regional players were fully capable of solving issues without the intervention of foreign forces, pointing to the United States’ futile attempts in Afghanistan.
Returning to Tehran-Ankara relations, Raeisi said, “Regional cooperation must turn into cooperation on an international scale.”
The president brought up one of the main issues in the region, the self-styled Islamic State terrorist group, and called for cooperation to fight the terrorist group.
“Fighting terrorism and organized crime can be one of the pillars of Tehran-Ankara ties. Iran is ready to boost ties in this area,” he noted.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian also met with his Turkish counterpart earlier on Monday to discuss regional and international issues and draw up plans to boost bilateral cooperation.
“During today’s negotiations, we agreed to start diplomatic talks on a roadmap for long-term cooperation,” Amir-Abdollahian said.
In a press conference held after the first round of talks, the top diplomat pointed out that the agreement would be finalized on the sidelines of the 7th High Council for Iran-Turkey Cooperation when President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visits Tehran.
He added, “We shared views about Afghanistan’s problems and highlighted the need for expanding stability, security and peace in West Asia.”
The two diplomats also discussed the war in Yemen, issues in Lebanon and condemned the assassination attempt targeting Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi.
“We hope that following the election held in Iraq, a new government and parliament is formed as soon as possible,” Amir-Abdollahian said. “We also closely follow up on the establishment of an all-inclusive administration in Kabul.”
Unilateral Sanctions
During the early-afternoon press conference, Cavusoglu called for the removal of “unjust” United States coercive measures against Iran and said, “Those who reneged on the Iran nuclear deal must return to it.”
The Turkish diplomat expressed hope that new nuclear negotiations could lead to the lifting of sanctions and as a consequence, to more stability in the region.
Talks between Iran and world powers on the nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, is scheduled to resume on November 29.
Cavusoglu also pointed to the drop in economic cooperation between the neighboring countries since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic and hoped for expansion of business ties as the virus is gradually getting under control.
He noted that many agreements need to be signed over the course of the Iran-Turkey High Council meeting, including deals on the fight against trafficking and illegal immigration.