Amir-Abdollahian, Cavusoglu meet, latter denounces sanctions on Iran

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
28 Jun 2022 11:54

The Turkish and Iranian foreign ministers meet in Ankara to strengthen bilateral relations and discuss trade, politics, and the Palestinian cause.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu shakes hands with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian during their meeting in Ankara, Turkey, 27 June 2022. (EPA)

A press conference held between the Iranian and the Turkish foreign ministers in Ankara saw Hossein Amir-Abdollahian dubbing "Israel" as the number one enemy of the Muslim world and Mevlut Cavusoglu denouncing the unilateral sanctions imposed on Iran.

“We consider the fraudulent Israeli regime as the number one enemy of Muslims and the Islamic world,” the top Iranian diplomat said, praising Turkey’s position in backing the Palestinian cause.

“We are sure that Turkey has never distanced itself from the support of Palestine and the liberation of Al-Quds and Al-Aqsa Mosque,” he said.

“We clearly voiced our considerations about the Zionist regime’s moves and the fact that wherever they went, Zionists have been the source of crisis and insecurity,” the Iranian Foreign Minister added.

Regarding the sanctions against Iran, Amir-Ambdollahian briefed his Turkish counterpart on High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell's visit to Tehran and their agreement to continue the Vienna talks to lift the sanctions.

“We hope that in the new round of the negotiations between Iran and the opposite parties we would achieve a final agreement, if the United States and three European countries act realistically,” Amir-Abdollahian stated.

On his part, Cavusoglu denounced the unilateral sanctions against Iran and hoped that the 2015 nuclear deal would resume, according to Anadolu Agency.

"We have been against unilateral sanctions against Iran and do not approve of those sanctions," the Turkish Foreign Minister said, hoping that all parties take a step in this direction.

Cavusoglu indicated his country's readiness to cooperate in trade. "We will make more efforts to increase our trade volume," he said, saying that Turkey is determined to improve Turkish-Iranian relations in all areas and aspects.

The Turkish FM also addressed cooperation regarding countering terrorism in the region. According to him, Turkey and Iran "must continue to cooperate, because terror is a common enemy for all of us."

Climate change is also an issue on the agenda. "We will set up a committee to deal with climate change issues along our border," Cavusoglu added.