Iran's foreign policy depends on basis of mutual trust

Iran's First Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri said Sunday the country's foreign policy stipulates the expansion of relations with all countries, particularly the neighboring states, on the bases of good neighborliness and mutual trust, Fars news agency reported.

In a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of a conference in Turkmenistan, Jahangiri referred to the age-old relations between Tehran and Ankara and the necessity for increasing consultations and exchange of views to settle the regional problems.

"Despite the differences on Syria, we should cooperate with each other in the fight against extremism and terrorism," he added.

"Interaction, respect for countries' national sovereignty and territorial integrity and efforts to obviate the grounds of differences can establish peace, tranquility and stability in the region, Jahangiri said.

He also voiced concern about tensions between Turkey and Russia. "Such tensions does not serve regional interests and we are ready to obviate these tensions."

The Turkish president said his country does not welcome the escalation of tensions in the region and calls for dialog to clear misunderstandings.

Erdogan added that Tehran-Ankara relations should not be affected by foreign influences and said the two sides should foil attempts to cause religious discord as soon as possible.

He called on the two countries to make use of their capacities to strengthen cooperation in various fields.

The Turkish president criticized certain reports in Iranian media against his family members and said the Iranian government should control the media inside the country.

Erdogan was apparently referring to the coverage in Iranian media of the reports of the links between some of his family members and Daesh militants in Syria.

In response to Erdogan's remarks, Jahangiri said the Iranian administration does not impose any restrictions on media, adding that even the administration is itself criticized in the media.

He added that Iranian officials have never made any comment against the Turkish government.

Sources: MENA