Rouhani, Erdogan Hold Bilateral Talks in Turkey

Local Editor

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani met with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan as well as other Turkish officials on Monday, in the first official Iranian presidential visit to Turkey since 1996.

Rouhani discussed topics of energy and trade ties with Turkish President Abdullah Gul in the Turkish capital of Ankara on Monday.
The two presidents exchanged views on the most important issues of mutual interest as well as the latest regional and international developments.

Rouhani's two-day visit comes just a week before direct talks in Geneva between Iran, the US, and the European Union [EU] on the Iranian nuclear program.

The Iranian President is expected to sign agreements with Turkey aimed at improving ties that have been strained over the conflict in Syria, where Turkey backs the insurgents in Syria.

Iran is both an important trading partner for Turkey and a rival for influence in the region. Turkey, anticipating that the nuclear talks lead to a further easing of sanctions on Iran, is looking to boost energy cooperation.

Sources: News Agencies, Edited by website team