Iranian president delivers two key messages as he arrives in Ankara for crucial talks

Iranian President Hasan Rouhani arrived in Ankara early June 9 for crucials talks on a number of key issues in his first official trip to Turkey since he took over the presidency last year.

He told Iranian reporters before his departure that talks between top Turkish and Iranian officials will not only focus on
enhancing economic, trade and energy relations but also on joint efforts to combat radicalism, terrorism and sectarianism.

“Regional and international issues are on both countries’ agenda. Violence, radicalism, and the fight against terror are important issues Iran is following in the region and in the world. We will continue our dialogue and cooperation on this issue with all friendly countries. We will exchange views with Turkish officials during my talks today and tomorrow on issues such as violence, terrorism, sectarianism and radicalism, and on the ways to combat them.” Rouhani said in the press conference in Tehran.

Rouhani’s plane was carrying an Iranian delegation composed of one vice president, seven ministers and a number of businessmen. Rouhani was welcomed by Water and Forestry Minister Veysel Eroğlu and other governmental officials.

Rouhani directly went to the Çankaya Palace where he was welcomed by Turkish President Abdullah Gül at an official ceremony. In line with Iranian protocol rules, Rouhani did not visit the Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of the founder Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, even though the visit is part of Turkish state protocol rules implemented for official visits of foreign leaders.

Rouhani will meet with Gül and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and will co-chair the first meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council that aims to...