Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran, Mr. Mohammad Javad Zarif paid a working visit to Turkey on January 4, 2014, upon the invitation of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, Mr. Ahmet Davutoğlu.

The Ministers discussed various aspects of Turkish-Iranian bilateral relations and forthcoming high-level visits. They also exchanged views on current regional and international issues of particular concern to both countries

At the joint press conference held following the meeting, Foreign Minister Davutoğlu announced that it was agreed that a High Level Cooperation Council between Turkey and Iran will be established and preparations concerning the establishment of the Council will be concluded before the visit of Prime Minister of Turkey, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to Iran which will be held in the forthcoming weeks.

Stressing that the contacts between the two countries will increase, Foreign Minister Davutoğlu noted that following Prime Minister Erdoğan’s visit to Iran, it is planned that Mr. Hassan Rouhani, President of Iran will visit Turkey. Moreover he added that Turkey-Iran-Azerbaijan Foreign Ministerial Meeting will be also held in Turkey.

Foreign Minister Davutoğlu highlighted that next week, Economy Ministers of the two countries will meet on the occasion of Joint Economic Commission Meeting, and a consultation meeting between Energy Ministers is also planned for February. Foreign Minister Davutoğlu stated that it is aimed to increase the bilateral trade volume up to 30 billion dollars and to this end, required steps will be taken to conclude the legal infrastructure.

Pointing out that regional issues were also discussed at the meeting, Foreign Minister Davutoğlu recalled that Turkey welcomes the agreement reached between Iran and P5+1 regarding the nuclear program of Iran. Foreign Minister Davutoğlu said that Turkey frankly shares its views on the developments in Syria with Iran and Turkey is ready to make any contribution to end the humanitarian tragedy in Syria which deteriorates recently in Aleppo, as soon as possible.