Tehran, Ankara Stress Reopening of Borders to Resume Trade

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdoğan urged the reopening of joints borders through observing of health protocols as both neighbors are keen to resume trade exchanges.

The two presidents made the remarks on Sunday via phone conversation.

In the current conditions, reopening of ground and aerial borders with health protocols and resumption of trade and goods exchanges are necessary for both countries, Rouhani noted.

Erdoğan, for his part, stated, We believe that cooperation and exchange of experiences between the two nations in the field of combat against coronavirus can be very useful.

He added that he would issue necessary orders for reopening of Turkish borders with Iran.

Earlier on Sunday, Iranian Minister of Interior Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli said his country is ready for any cooperation with neighboring countries, and stressed countering sabotage by terrorists on joint borders.

Rahmani Fazli made the remarks in a telephone call on Saturday with his Turkish counterpart Suleyman Soylu and underscored the need for prevention of sabotage moves committed by terrorist elements in Iran’s joint borders with neighbors.

Suleyman Soylu, for his part, pointed to the recent US move to add him [Rahmani Fazli] to the list of sanctions and added, for us, the US measure in this regard is unacceptable and Turkey condemns it categorically.

Meanwhile, Iranian Minister expressed thanks for his Turkish counterpart’s stance in condemning the recent US measure.

The US is trying to meddle in the internal affairs of other countries by all means, Rahmani Fazli stressed.

The United States imposed severe sanctions against all Iranian people even when the country is grappling with the outbreak of coronavirus, he criticized.

While condemning the US supports of regional terrorists including ISIL and Takfiri terrorist groups, Rahmani Fazli added, regional countries including neighboring states should try to be more active in strengthening the security of the region and deepening the political-economic and security ties.

In relevant remarks on April 18, Rahmani Fazli and Suleyman Soylu discussed several issues of mutual interest, including the combat against coronavirus.

Iran’s envoy in Ankara Mohammad Farazmand said in a tweet that Rahmani Fazli and Soylu had talked earlier, during which they exchanged views on the two countries’ measures and experiences in containing the coronavirus disease, and other issues.

Earlier in the week, Iranian Parliament Speaker’s Special Aide for International Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in a meeting with Turkish Ambassador to Tehran Derya Örs declared preparedness of his country’s medical staff to share experience with their counterparts in Turkey in the fight against COVID-19 virus.

Outbreak of coronavirus pandemic has overshadowed the global ties and regional exchanges and constructive interaction between regional and neighboring states is effective in improving the current situation, Amir Abdollahian said in the meeting on April 15.

He pointed to the deep cultural, religious and historical ties between the two countries of Iran and Turkey, and emphasized the significance of friendly relations between the two countries in all fields.

He pointed out that the Iranian Parliament welcomes evermore strengthening cooperation with neighboring Turkey.

He also termed the current relations between Tehran and Ankara in the regional and international interactions excellent.

About Sheida Bahramirad

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