Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, met Wednesday
afternoon with the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Speaking at the
meeting, His Eminence said that the spirit of brotherhood, amity and friendship
between the two countries has been unique in recent centuries, stressing: "The
great capacities of both sides, has prepared the ground for developing and
expanding relations."
The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution stated that it is necessary for
Tehran and Ankara to adopt a serious outlook towards the agreements made in this
visit, adding: "This seriousness will enormously strengthen and facilitate
relations."
His Eminence referred to the deep cultural attachments between Iran and Turkey,
saying: "The current opportunities and conditions should be utilized in a
proper way."
Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated: "We consider Iran to be our second home".
The Turkish Prime Minister stated that his meetings with President Rouhani and
other Iranian officials were very valuable. Referring to several memoranda of
understanding between Iran and Turkey, he stressed: "We hope that the increasing
relations between the two countries will be a model for the region and for the
entire world."
He described the establishment of the Supreme Council of Cooperation between
Iran and Turkey as very important, reiterating:
"By holding frequent meetings, we will develop our relations so strongly that it
seems the ministers of the two countries are negotiating and cooperating with
one another in one cabinet."