News / Politics

‘Iran, Russia, Turkey must cooperate together’

Friday, 12 August 2016 9:37 AM [ Last Update: Friday, 12 August 2016 2:32 PM ]

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (L) gives a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu in the Turkish capital, Ankara, August 12, 2016.

Iran’s foreign minister has emphasized the importance of the roles played on the regional arena by the Islamic Republic, Russia, and Turkey, saying the three countries should cooperate and engage in dialog with one another.

Mohammad Javad Zarif, who is in the Turkish capital on a state visit, met with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu on Friday, discussing bilateral cooperation and regional issues.

This is the first visit by a high-ranking Iranian official to Turkey since the July 15 failed coup attempt in the country. Iran was the first country to condemn the putsch.

After holding talks with Cavusoglu, Zarif said at a joint presser with him that they had discussed the removal of impediments to bilateral cooperation but said differences remained between Tehran and Ankara. He said more talks were needed to resolve those differences.

The Turkish foreign minister, for his part, thanked the Iranian government and nation for supporting the legitimate Turkish government after the failed coup and said Iran had been the first country to condemn the putsch.

In remarks made earlier upon his arrival in Ankara, Zarif had said, “Iran, Russia, and Turkey are considered important players in the region, and they need to engage in dialog and cooperation.”

“[Even] if there are differences among the countries of the region, it can be resolved through dialog,” he added.

Pointing to the failed coup bid in Turkey, Zarif said, “We believe that the era of bullying and coups is over and [these things] no longer have a place in our region. People’s choice and will cannot be suppressed by a military group.”

In the aftermath of the coup, Turkey has been moving closer to Russia, gradually mending fences with Moscow following the shooting down of a Russian fighter jet last year.

During his one-day visit to Turkey, the top Iranian diplomat will also meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, according to the Turkish Foreign Ministry.

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