Eurasia Press & News
TEHRAN (FNA)- Visiting Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Thursday that his country and Turkey would cooperate in fighting against terrorism and drug trafficking.
Ahmadinejad, who arrived in Istanbul on Thursday for a two-day working visit, made the remarks at a joint press conference with Turkish President Abdullah Gul following their talks.
He said as two large and strong countries in the region, Iran and Turkey have great influence on regional and international matters.
On Iran’s nuclear program, Ahmadinejad said that dialogue is the best way, adding that Iran is always ready for dialogue to solve this issue.
He also said that Iran welcomed the negotiation process which started in Geneva.
The two countries are planning to increase their bilateral trade volume to USD20 billion within four years.
Ahmadinejad said that Iran and Turkey would celebrate 2009 as joint culture year which would help enhance better understanding of each other’s cultures and civilizations among the two peoples.
On the issue of Iraq, Ahmadinejad said that protection of Iraq’s territorial integrity is in the interest of both Iran and Turkey, reiterating Tehran’s support for the political process in Iraq.
For his part, Gul said that the maintenance of peace, stability and prosperity in South Caucasus was a priority among Turkish foreign policy targets.
During the meeting, the two leaders also expressed concern and sorrow over the clashes which started in South Ossetia region of Georgia on August 7, said Gul.
