LOC20:04
17:04 GMT
TEHRAN, Feb 14 (KUNA) -- President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Monday
cooperation between Iran and Turkey would transform the region to an economic,
political and cultural hub "very soon."
Ahmadinejad, in a statement after a meeting with his Turkish counterpart
Abdullah Gul, said they have discussed regional and international issues of
mutual interest.
He described as "solid, brotherly and long-lasting" the bilateral relations
with Turkey, noting that trade exchange between Tehran and Ankara witnessed
remarkable progress last year.
Ahmadinejad commended Turkey's support for the right of the Iranian people
to using nuclear technology for civilian purposes, as well as its hosting of
the nuclear talks between Iran on one side and the P5+1 on the other.
Gul, making his first visit to Iran as President, said Turkey and Iran
share common stable borders and have important relations.
He said his talks with Ahmadinejad dealt with developments in the Middle
East specially those related to the Muslim world.
Gul, leading a ranking delegation, said the developments in the region were
not ruled out "because when some leaders ignore demands of their people then
their people go to streets." (end)
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KUNA 142004 Feb 11NNNN