Leader Stresses Policy of Boosting Relations With Neighboring States

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei underlined that expanding relations with neighboring countries is a prime policy goal of the Iranian government.  
“This is an absolutely correct policy,” he said in a meeting with President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedow in Tehran on Wednesday, Leader.ir reported. 
He said further deepening of relations between Tehran and Ashgabat is entirely in the interest of both countries, adding that serious determination is required to overcome obstacles on this way. 
“Friendly ties between Iran and Turkmenistan have opponents at both regional and international level, but we must overcome hurdles,” he said.  
The Leader also called for active and steady operation of joint cooperation commissions so that bilateral agreements can produce an outcome. 
The Turkmen president said Ashgabat also gives priority to relations with neighbors. 
“We focus our efforts on strengthening good relations between the two countries in various sectors, especially gas, electricity and transit, as well as running megaprojects,” he said. 
He also pointed to the 30th anniversary of Tehran-Ashgabat diplomatic ties, appreciating the Leader’s support for closer relations.
Earlier in the day, Berdimuhamedow had met his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi and later co-chaired a meeting of the two countries’ delegations, which resulted in the signing of nine memorandums of understanding and joint statements. 
Speaking at a joint press briefing, he said the discussions were held in an atmosphere of trust and respect and portrayed brotherly relations between the countries. 
The two sides discussed ways of boosting economic and commercial ties and increasing the volume of trade, according to the Turkmen president. 
He said the agreements will help further develop bilateral relations. 
“Energy and transit are important and strategic sectors in Tehran-Ashgabat ties and we will put up efforts to effectively exploit their potential to improve mutual cooperation,” he was quoted as saying by President.ir.
Iran and Turkmenistan are also determined to enhance cultural and humanitarian collaborations to help strengthen the bond between the two nations, he said. 

20-Year Cooperation 

During the briefing, Raisi highlighted Iran’s good relations with Turkmenistan over the past three decades, saying they go beyond neighborly ties.
“The two countries’ relations are brotherly, cultural and civilizational and in one word, familial ties.”
He said his visit to Ashgabat in December helped boost mutual cooperation, especially in gas swap and transit sectors. 
The capacities for cooperation are far beyond the current level, according to Raisi, and the MOUs signed during this visit could give a lift to such collaborations. 
“Both countries are determined to sign a 20-year strategic cooperation document,” he said. 
The president later said cooperation with Caspian Sea littoral states is among the priorities of the Islamic Republic and it welcomes Turkmenistan’s hosting of the joint meeting of the five countries along this line.
“Cooperation between the two countries will definitely lead to regional and international collaborations,” he said. 
Raisi said Iran and Turkmenistan have similar views about Afghanistan where they believe an inclusive government must be established with the participation of all ethnic and political groups to ensure security. 
“We stressed the need for continued consultations among foreign ministers of Afghanistan’s neighbors,” he said. 
Berdimuhamedow also said Tehran and Ashgabat wish to see a developing Afghan government which participates in important regional and international projects. 
The Iranian president also underscored the two countries’ shared views about regional issues which must be resolved by the very countries of the region without foreign interference. 
“Our common belief is that the presence of foreigners will not bring about security, but will create problems.”