Condemning once again the terror attack that took place on January 3 in Kerman, which led to the postponement of President Raisi’s visit to Türkiye scheduled for an earlier date, President Erdoğan reiterated Türkiye’s support for Iran in its fight against terror.

“We attach importance to deepening our relations with Iran, our neighbor, on the basis of mutual trust and shared interests,” the President said and, noting that they have reiterated this will during their meeting, expressed his belief that the decisions taken during the council meeting are of importance not only for the two countries but also for the stability and prosperity of the whole region.

“During today’s meeting, we have discussed areas of concrete cooperation as well as regional and international relations, particularly Israel’s attacks on Gaza and occupied Palestinian lands. We exchanged views on the issues that are on our common agenda from the fight against terror to energy, trade to education. We have followed up on the decisions we had taken in the former council meetings,” said the President.

“We have reiterated the importance of Iran’s growing support in the fight against terror”

Erdoğan stated: “We have made progress towards our $30bln target in annual trade with Iran, particularly in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic. On the other hand, we are aware that we have to run faster in this track. We have discussed with Mr. President the steps we will take in this direction. We have noted that the resolution of the problems experienced by our business communities would significantly contribute to our efforts. We have reiterated the importance of our neighbor Iran’s growing support in the fight against terror. We have stressed the importance of strengthening our cooperation against the PKK-PYD/YPG and PJAK, which target the security of our country and region.”

Noting that 10 new agreements have been signed to enhance the bilateral relations, President Erdoğan added: “We have therefore consolidated the contractual basis of our relations.”

“The Palestinian issue is in the focus of both Türkiye and Iran”

“With my dear brother Raisi, we have exchanged views on the latest developments in Palestine, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and South Caucasia. The Palestinian issue is in the focus of both Türkiye and Iran. Our Foreign Minister attended the UN Security Council meeting on Palestine yesterday in New York. They maintained our efforts aimed at safeguarding our Gazan brothers and sisters’ security, welfare and future. As Türkiye, we have sent over 30 thousand tons of humanitarian aid materials, including 26 thousand tons of flour, to Al Arish since October 7. During our talks, we have discussed the need to take urgent steps to immediately stop Israel’s inhumane attacks on Gaza and establish a just and permanent peace,” said Erdoğan, and added: “We have reaffirmed our support for Palestine’s just cause and refreshed our determination to continue our cooperation on this issue. We have agreed upon the importance of avoiding steps that would further jeopardize the security and stability of our region.” (ILKHA)