Iran FM condemns 'inhumane' bomb blast in Turkey's Istanbul
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has condemned as “inhumane” a bomb attack, which rocked a busy central street in Turkey's port city of Istanbul.
Zarif, who was speaking at a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu, noted that the terrorist attack in Turkey's biggest city showed “the ugly face of terrorism.”
Iran's top diplomat also offered his condolences to Turkey’s government and nation as well as the bereaved families of victims of the blast.
At least five people were killed and 36 others wounded after a massive bomb explosion rocked a crowded shopping district in Istanbul earlier on Saturday.
The blast took place when a bomber detonated his explosives on Istiklal street in Istanbul’s Beyoglu district, killing the attacker and four more people.
No group or individual has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.
Turkey has been the scene of surging violence, including several bomb attacks, over the past months.
The attack comes nearly a week after 37 people were killed in a bomb explosion in the capital city, Ankara, which was later claimed by a Kurdish militant group introduced by authorities as an offshoot of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
Last month, 28 people were killed and some 60 others wounded in a large car bomb targeting a military vehicle in the heart of Ankara.
The Turkish government has been among the main supporters of the militant groups operating in Syria. The Turkish military has also been conducting operations against the positions of the PKK in southeastern Turkey and northern Iraq.
Iran, Turkey FMs stress fight against terrorism
During the joint press conference, the Iranian and Turkish foreign ministers also underlined the need for the two countries to join hands in fighting terrorism across the region.
Iran and Turkey have a common viewpoint on the necessity of safeguarding the territorial integrity of Iraq and Syria, Zarif said.
The Iranian foreign minister also indicated the two countries’ willingness to boost cooperation in all economic sectors, including energy, transportation and tourism.
Iran attaches high significance to its ties with Turkey and is keen on maintaining economic cooperation with its neighbor, Zarif said.
Cavusoglu, for his part, said his country welcomes cooperation with Iran in the anti-terror fight which aims to restore security to the region.
He also called for the promotion of economic ties between Tehran and Ankara.
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