Iran Press/Asia: “Guaranteeing the security of the Persian Gulf waterways, the Sea of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz has always been important for Iran as the largest littoral state and the Islamic Republic of Iran considers itself responsible to ensure regional waterways security," Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Monday.
President Rouhani made the remarks in a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an on the sidelines of the Fifth Round of Tripartite Summit of Iran, Russia, and Turkey in Ankara.
"The security of regional waterways has to be protected only by its littoral states, and that the presence of US forces and them inviting other countries to be present in the region will only increase the existing problems and tensions”, the Iranian president emphasized, Official website of the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran reported.
After the meeting, the two presidents attended the meeting of the high-ranking delegations of Iran and Turkey, in which Rouhani said, "Fortunately, relations between Iran and Turkey have always been close and brotherly, and the two governments and nations have stood by each other in different conditions."
Rouhani highlighted that the pattern of Iran-Turkey trilateral cooperation with Russia in ensuring the security of the region could contribute to the development and stability of the region.
Pointing out that cooperation between the two countries, which guarantees the Astana Process, has made Syria more secure, he said, "We must help the Syrian government in fighting the remaining terrorists, especially in Idlib and the Eastern Euphrates until the terrorists are eradicated from the region."
Rouhani went on to acknowledge the Turkish government’s clear stances against the United States’ unjust sanctions, saying: "Despite hardships, Iran and Turkey will continue their inclusive economic relations."
"Iran welcomes Turkish investors and private sector’s presence and participation in implementing common projects," he said.
"The holding of the 27th Joint Commission of Iran and Turkey Cooperation in the coming days is a very important opportunity for further development of these relations and cooperation,” Iranian President added.
At the same meeting, the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an referred to the friendly and brotherly relations between Iran and Turkey, saying, "We are determined to continue the great steps taken in the relations between the two countries."
Erdo?an also described the US sanctions against Iran, unconstructive saying: "In the Turkish government's view, preserving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is an important symbol of the success of dialogue and diplomacy."
"We hope that as a result of today's summit and finalization of the previous summit’s agreements in Sochi brings stability and security to the region, especially in Idlib,” he continued.
The Turkish President added, "Trade cooperation between the two countries using national currencies has grown significantly and this trend will continue."
Rouhani also described the attacks on Yemen as the result of miscalculations and misleading US addresses, saying, "We must all work to bring stability back to Yemen with the participation of the United Nations."
104/208
Read more:
Government spokesman: Iran, Turkey, Russia are influential within the region
Iran-Russia-Turkey trilateral meeting on Syria held in Ankara, Turkey
Iranian Pres. visit to Turkey; an important step in trilateral meetings on the Syrian crisis
