Ashton, Davutoglou discuss Syria, Iran

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton met here Monday Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and discussed bilateral relations and developments in the region. "I had a very interesting ministerial dialogue with Turkey for the whole of this morning which is very important in developing and strengthening the work we do together," she told reporters ahead of a regular meeting of EU foreign ministers. "Foreign minister Davutoglou talked about the strategic issues that will also be part of the agenda of Foreign Affairs Council today," she added. However, a planned press conference between Ashton and Davutoglou was cancelled. Ashton's spokesperson Maja Kocijancic told reporters that the press conference was cancelled due to the EU High Representative's busy schedule today as she has to attend the EU foreign ministers' meeting. The spokesperson said that the meeting covered Turkey's EU memberships process as well as regional issues like the Syrian crisis and Iran's nuclear programme.