The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran, Mr. Ali Akbar Salehi paid a one-day working visit to Turkey on 12 July 2013. Mr. Ahmet Davutoğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey and the Guest Minister exchanged views on bilateral and regional issues.

Speaking at the joint press conference Foreign Minister Davutoğlu pointed out that Turkey and Iran are two significant regional powers which have deep rooted relations. Pointing out that the visit of Salehi is the first official contact following the presidential elections in Iran Foreign Minister Davutoğlu said that the developments in Syria and Egypt were discussed mainly at the meeting with Salehi.

“Unfortunately, particularly recent developments in Syria and Egypt pose serious obstacles for our region to become a peace, stability and welfare hub” highlighted Foreign Minister Davutoğlu. Concerning Syria, he emphasized that from the very beginning Turkey advocated a transition process which would reflect the will of the Syrian people to political system in a peaceful manner.

Foreign Minister Davutoğlu stated that the ongoing massacre in Syria should be stopped. “Turkey deems necessary to make a call for a comprehensive ceasefire including Homs with a view to enabling our Syrian brothers regardless of their sect or ethnic origin to realize the Ramadan” stressed Foreign Minister Davutoğlu.

Touching also on the situation in Egypt Foreign Minister Davutoğlu emphasized that Egypt is one of the countries which have a great and rooted state tradition in the Middle East and Turkey has always attached importance to reflection of the will of the Egyptian people to political system.

Foreign Minister Davutoğlu underlined that Turkey maintains equal distance to every segment of Egyptian society. However, it is expected that the will of the Egyptian people is respected said Foreign Minister Davutoğlu emphasizing that Turkey will support every effort for the re-establishment of democracy in Egypt.

Explaining that Turkish and Iranian people like the other people in the region are directly affected by the regional developments Foreign Minister Davutoğlu stated that Turkey and Iran will continue to utilize any opportunity to work together for finding solution to regional problems in future. Moreover he added that they will also share their difference in opinion with open-heartedness as on the Syria case.