Saturday 5 March 2016 - 16:59
Story Code : 204759
Turkish PM says Ankara, Tehran share common goal of ending ethnic conflicts
ANKARA (Sputnik) Turkey and Iran share a common goal oferadicating regional ethnic conflicts, Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said ina joint press conference withIranian First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri onSaturday.
"With all our contradictions, Turkey and Iran share a common goal toextinguish the ethnic conflicts inthe region. Our relations are extremely important forpeace and stability," Davutoglu said asquoted byTurkeys NTV broadcaster.
Davutoglu arrived inTehran fora two-day official visit onFriday, leading a delegation ofeconomy, customs, trade, energy and other ministers. He is due tomeet Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.
The Turkish prime minister noted Ankaras role inreaching the international nuclear deal withIran last summer, which led tothe termination ofmost anti-Iran sanctions inJanuary 2016.
"Even beforethe lifting ofthe sanctions, we planned toachieve turnover of $30 billion a year, butnow we can go even further," Davutoglu stressed, noting plans toexpand energy, transport and tourism cooperation.
Iran has exported 10 billion cubic meters ofnatural gas per year since2001 toTurkey, second involume toRussia.
Despite economic ties, Turkey and Iran remain atodds overthe Syrian conflict and support forits government.
By Sputnik
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