Turkish Ambassador To Iran Alpar Departs From Tehran After Completing His Tenure

TEHRAN - Turkish Ambassador to Iran Selahattin Alpar whose tenure in Tehran ended yesterday, departed from Iran on Thursday.
In an interview with the A.A correspondent about his term in office in Iran, Alpar said, ''the bilateral relations between Turkey and Iran have reached a positive and beneficial stage. Iranian President Mohammad Khatami's policy of detente and solving problems with neighboring countries, and the positive political atmosphere under the countries' decision not to be involved in each other's domestic affairs have affected the bilateral relations between Turkey and Iran prolifically.''
Noting that there had been many affinities in points of views of Turkey and Iran about political developments in the region, Alpar said, ''when we take into consideration the economic potentials of the two countries, we see that current commercial relations are far away from the desired levels. The trade volume was about 2 billion U.S. dollars in 2003. Meanwhile, the foreign trade deficit against Turkey has still been continuing.''
Recalling that several agreements were signed between Turkey and Iran over protection of foreign investors, prevention of double taxation and customs co-operation, Alpar said, ''these agreements will take effect after being ratified by the two countries. There have been many Turkish firms investing in Iran. Furthermore, Turkish and Iranian businessmen have established joint associations. Turkish businessmen have begun taking part in fairs in Iran.''
Referring to significant progress in security co-operation between the two countries, Alpar said, ''both countries are aware of that they could not consider security separate from each other. Both Turkey and Iran have suffered much from the instability in the region and acts of terrorism. Therefore, their not supporting acts of terrorism against interests of each other and their co-operating in fight against terrorism are quite natural.''
Alpar started his tenure in Iran on December 11, 2001.
Turkish Envoy to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Halit Bozkurt will replace Alpar.
Bozkurt is expected to start acting as Turkish Ambassador to Iran on April 1, 2004.
(UK-AÖ) 18.03.2004