TEHRAN - Turkey`s foreign minister, who is currently in Iran to hold a series of talks, said on Wednesday that the problems of the region concerned both Turkey and Iran, adding he had the chance to assess such problems during his meetings with Iranian officials.
Speaking to reporters after his meeting with Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani, Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan said that they exchanged views on regional and international matters during the meeting.
Turkey`s EU membership process, operations waged against terrorists organization PKK, as well as the latest situation in Palestine and Iraq were also on the agenda of the Babacan-Larijani meeting, officials said.
Commenting on his recent talks with Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadi-Nejad, Foreign Minister Manuchehr Motaki and Secretary General of Supreme National Security Council Said Jalili, Babacan said political, economic and cultural relations as well as regional issues were discussed during the meetings.
Babacan said he also assessed with Iranian officials the ongoing negotiation process regarding Iran`s nuclear program.
"Turkey closely follows the process," Babacan said, stating that the country exerted efforts for the smooth continuation of the process, elimination of probable problems and prevention of misunderstandings.
"We believe that dialogue is the basic element for the solution of the Iran issue just like many other issues concerning the Middle East," Babacan said.
Upon a question on Iranian President Ahmadi-Nejad`s upcoming visit to Turkey, Babacan said the parties would make a simultaneous statement regarding the schedule and content of the visit.
Commenting on the latest developments in Kirkuk as well, Babacan said, "We recommend all the parties to act with common sense. Because, Iraq needs stability. It is of great importance to act upon mutual agreement on issues related to Kirkuk".
Following the press conference, Babacan departed from Iran for Turkey.
(DO-AÖ)
(DIP)