Iran, Turkey seek political solution to Syria crisis

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) Iran and Turkey will cooperate to find a political solution to the Syrian crisis, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir Abdollahian was quoted as saying by Press TV on Tuesday.

Tehran and Ankara play a strategic role in the Middle East region and should stay in touch about regional developments, he said in a meeting with Umit Yalcin, Director General for Bilateral Political Affairs at Turkey’s Foreign Ministry.

“Given the present circumstances in the region, Tehran and Ankara can play a leading political role in settling the crisis and we are ready to turn consultation into practical cooperation in this regard,” he said.

The official said Iran backs a “broad based national dialogue” and opposes foreign governments’ arming of the opposition in Syria.

Any solution to the ongoing problems in the Middle East, particularly in Syria and Iraq, would not bear fruit without Iran’s involvement, Amir-Abdollahian emphasized.

Yalcin said Iran and Turkey share views on the importance of restoration of peace and stability to the region, maintenance of territorial integrity and security, and eradication of terrorism in the region.

Promotion of relations between Tehran and Ankara will be in the interest of both countries and will benefit the region, Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani said last month.

The two countries are politically at loggerheads on how to deal with the three-year-old Syrian crisis.

Ankara backs the opposition forces, while Tehran is a staunch supporter of current Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Such differences have strained their bilateral relations.