Raeisi holds talks with Pakistani, Tajik, Turkish presidents

On the sidelines of the 15th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit in Ashgabat, Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi, who has traveled to Turkmenistan on Saturday, met and held talks with his Tajik counterpart Emomali Rahmon, Pakistani President Arif Alvi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

During the meeting, the Presidents of Iran and Pakistan stressed the need to develop and enhance the level of relations and coordination between the two countries in bilateral and regional arenas.

Referring to the common grounds and vast capacities for the development of Tehran-Islamabad cooperation, Raeisi said, "The two countries not only enjoy neighbourly relations, but also have historical and cultural bonds, and the use of these capacities can contribute to the development of relations is in the interest of the two nations and the progress and development of the region."

 "We consider the relations and cooperation between the two countries inadequate given the potentials, and we are determined to activate these potentials," he added.

Referring to the areas and capacities of Tehran-Islamabad cooperation in the development of border markets, transit, transportation, energy and tourism, Raeisi said, "The Islamic Republic of Iran has no restrictions on the development of relations with Pakistan."

Pakistani President Arif Alvi also said in the meeting that Pakistan seeks to develop economic and trade relations with Iran, adding, "Islamabad attaches importance to increasing the level of relations and cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran."

He also said, "Pakistan, like the Islamic Republic of Iran, wants the formation of an inclusive government in Afghanistan and we consider cooperation necessary to establish peace in this country."

Putting emphasis on the development of cooperation and coordination between the two countries in bilateral and regional issues the Presidents of Iran and Turkey stressed taking advantage of all capacities for the comprehensive development of Tehran-Ankara relations.

Referring to the wide and diverse areas of cooperation between Iran and Turkey in various sectors, including energy, banking and monetary issues, and trade and commerce exchanges, Raeisi said, "We should facilitate the development of economic relations and in this regard, preferential tariffs can be reviewed."

Emphasising the close cooperation and relations between Iran, the Republic of Azerbaijan and Turkey, the President said, "The three countries have many cultural, religious and ideological commonalities, and these relations should not be allowed to be disrupted but should be as close as possible to disappoint our common enemies."

Referring to the establishment of stability and security in Syria, Raeisi said, "We should use our capacities to create peace and security in Syria."

Raeisi stated, "The problems of the region must be resolved by the countries of the region, and the presence and intervention of outsiders will not only not help solve the problems but will complicate the situation."

Raeisi also stressed the importance of stability, peace and respect for the territorial integrity of Iraq, noting, "The Islamic Republic of Iran supports and emphasises the establishment of a strong government accepted by the Iraqi people."

During the meeting, the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also said that his country considers it necessary to develop and strengthen bilateral and regional cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

"We can make a leap in the relations between the two countries, especially in the economic sectors," he said.

"The White House is training and arming all terrorist groups in the region, including ISIL and the PKK, and providing them with terrorist equipment and tools to create insecurity," he said.

Erdoğan said, "The Islamic Republic of Iran, Russia and Turkey can maintain security and stability in the region with the cooperation of other countries in the region."

President Raeisi and his accompanying delegation left Tehran for Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, on Saturday evening in order to participate in the meeting of leaders of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).

Upon his arrival at Ashgabat Airport, President Raeisi was officially welcomed by his Turkmen counterpart.

The Islamic Republic of Iran, Republic of Turkey, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Republic of Azerbaijan constitute 10 members of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).