Erdogan: Iran, Turkey should work together to overcome sectarianism, terrorism

President Rouhani (L) and President Erdogan during a joint press conference, Ankara (AA Photo)

Ankara (IINA) – Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Saturday that his country and Iran should lead the way to ending violence in Iraq, Syria, and the region, Anadolu Agency (AA) reported.
Speaking at a joint press conference alongside his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani, President Erdogan underlined the role of trans-regional and regional dialogue mechanisms led by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to promote regional peace and prosperity.
Erdogan said that strengthening political dialogue between the two countries and minimizing differences of opinion work to the benefit of both Turkey and Iran.
“We should work together to tackle the problems of sectarianism and terrorism that have occurred in our region,” he added.
"However, I want to gladly express that we are of the opinion that the bloodshed in the region should be stopped," Erdogan said pointing to several differences of opinion between Turkey and Iran on regional issues.
In his remarks, Erdogan urged avoiding sectarian approaches to regional developments, saying that doing so has a destructive impact. "We are supposed to be together under name of Islam and walk to the future with unity and solidarity, which is distinctive for us," he added.
For his part, Rouhani said the meeting with "my brother Mr. Erdogan" saw a comprehensive discussion of bilateral relations.
"The economies of Iran and Turkey are complementary," said Rouhani, adding that his country and Turkey should take swift action to boost trade between the two countries in the wake of the lifting of sanctions over Tehran’s nuclear program.
Rouhani arrived in Ankara on Saturday, following a two-day Istanbul Summit of the OIC, which Rouhani also attended and where Turkey assumed the bloc’s thre-year presidency.
AB/IINA

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