MNA – Iranian deputy FM Rahimpour and Turkmen Foreign Minister Rasit Meredow met in Ashgabat Wed. to confer on a wide range of issues regarding bilateral, regional and international relations.


Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Asia and Oceania Affairs, Ebrahim Rahimpour, who is in Turkmenistan to attend the 49th meeting of the Special Working Group on the legal status of the Caspian Sea, held talks with Turkmen Foreign Minister Rasit Meredow in Ashgabat on Wednesday.

During the meeting, Rahimpour noted the various major projects implemented between the two countries during Hassan Rouhani’s first term as president, adding “we are interested in expanding cooperation with Turkmenistan in all areas such as economy, energy, and gas swap during Pres. Rouhani’s second term in office.”

Rahimpour then referred to Foreign Minister Zarif’s recent visit to Turkmenistan and the fruitful exchanges of views between the two countries’ senior officials, adding “following the visit and under the prisoner transfer agreement, a number of Iranian prisoners detained in Turkmenistan were transferred back to our country. We are hoping that the next stage of prisoner transfer will soon take place.”

Meredow, for his part, noted the many economic projects that have been implemented between the two countries, adding “there is ample opportunity for expanding cooperation in the field of energy.”

He also stressed that under the agreements, his country will continue the prisoner transfer with Iran.

“The two countries have had bilateral and multilateral cooperation on combating terrorism,” he said, adding “we welcome the continuation and expansion of such cooperation with Iran.”

The Turkmen foreign minister further highlighted Iran’s positive role in regional developments regarding the peace process in Syria, adding “we fully respect Iran’s role in improving the situation in the region.”