Türkiye, Iran sign 10 agreements during Raisi's delayed trip

ANKARA

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his Iranian counterpart, Ebrahim Raisi, have concluded talks in the capital Ankara with the signing of 10 agreements and memorandums of understanding spanning various sectors.

The high-level talks marked the eighth meeting of the cooperation council between the two nations, held to enhance collaboration since its establishment in 2014.

Represented by substantial delegations, including several ministers, both sides engaged in discussions that culminated in deals primarily aimed at revitalizing trade between the two countries, which had seen a decline in recent years, exacerbated by the COVID pandemic.

The trade volume between Türkiye and Iran, which stood at $22 billion in 2012, has plummeted to around $6 billion, analysts say. During the visit, both parties reiterated their commitment to a $30 billion target.

One of the factors contributing to the decline was Iran's exclusion of certain products from the trade agreement, with Erdoğan reiterating Ankara's expectation for the inclusion of these products in the deal once again.

In addition to trade matters, discussions between the two leaders covered plans to increase the number of border crossings to stimulate trade and cooperation in areas such as culture, science, media, internal affairs and transportation.

Erdoğan also highlighted the importance of maintaining regional security and stability, expressing concerns over the ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza. Both leaders affirmed their support for the Palestinian cause and the establishment of a just and lasting peace.

"We agreed on the importance of avoiding steps that would further threaten the security and stability of our region," Erdoğan stated.

Raisi echoed this sentiment, saying, "As two sides, we agreed to support the Palestinian cause, the axis of resistance, and to give the Palestinian people their rightful rights."

The leaders also addressed security concerns within their respective borders, with Erdoğan stressing the need for strengthened collaboration against the PKK and its Iranian wing, PJAK, which "pose threats to regional security."

"The security of Türkiye and the countries in the region is our security. We are very determined in the fight against terrorism. Cooperation in this field will be very useful," Raisi also affirmed.

The Iranian president's visit had been postponed twice previously, first in November due to diplomatic repercussions from events in Gaza and later in January following an ISIL attack in Iran that claimed nearly 100 lives.

In the meantime, the leaders' discussions coincided with the Astana Group's meeting in Kazakhstan, focusing on resolving the Syrian conflict. The Astana Group comprises Türkiye, Russia and Iran, aiming to address the complex challenges in the region.