Tehran, Iran – Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Sunday emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation between Turkiye and Iran in trade, energy, and regional security during a media briefing in Tehran.
Speaking alongside Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Fidan highlighted the countries’ long-standing coordination and called for more efficient trade practices. “Trade and energy are top priorities, and we saw again today there is much more to be done,” he said.
The ministers discussed measures to improve border efficiency, increase the number of border gates, and implement logistics and transportation projects. “Our countries have large populations, close relations, and high trade, but our trade needs to be more efficient,” Fidan added during his fourth visit to Tehran as foreign minister.
Efforts to address irregular migration, particularly from Afghanistan, were also highlighted. “We aim to tackle this issue together with Iran,” Fidan said, stressing the need for concrete regional cooperation.
The Turkish diplomat welcomed Iran’s plan to open a new consulate in Van, eastern Turkiye, and pledged to attend the inauguration if his Iranian counterpart is present.
Both ministers agreed to hold the ninth Turkiye-Iran High-Level Cooperation Council meeting soon at the presidential level.
On regional security, Fidan identified Israel as “the biggest threat to stability in the Middle East,” citing concerns over Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and broader Israeli expansionist policies. He urged the international community to fulfill its responsibilities.
Fidan also reaffirmed Ankara’s support for Tehran in ongoing nuclear negotiations and called for the lifting of what he described as “unrighteous” sanctions. “Iran must resolve its issues on the basis of international law,” he stated. He also reiterated Turkiye’s commitment to supporting peace efforts between Russia and Ukraine.
