Iran is doing its utmost to reach out to Ankara during Turkey’s Republic Day. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi congratulated his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, on Tuesday on the occasion of Turkey’s national day, expressing hope for deeper cooperation between the neighboring countries, Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), Iran’s official news agency, reported.
He praised the 102nd anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic. “I sincerely congratulate the friendly and neighboring government and people of Turkey, and my brother Mr. Hakan Fidan,” Araghchi said.
“He added that ties between the two Muslim neighbors, based on mutual interests, could further expand ‘in the light of realism and the policy of good neighborliness,’” IRNA reported.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also sent a message, indicating how seriously Tehran considers this issue. It wants close ties to Turkey and doesn’t want to be completely isolated in the region.
“President Masoud Pezeshkian has sent a message to his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to congratulate him and the Turkish nation on the National Day of the Republic of Turkey,” IRNA reported.
Pezeshkian spoke about the importance of bilateral ties and relations.
“The President emphasized that strengthening relations between Iran and Turkiye, undoubtedly, has become more important than ever in the current circumstances, noting that the enhanced cooperation will lead to the consolidation of stability, security, and development for the two countries and the region,” the report said. “Stating that there are many commonalities between the two neighboring countries, Pezeshkian stressed the need for joint efforts and continuous consultations in all economic, political, cultural, and international fields.”
Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Emrullah Isler, Turkey’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, emphasized the importance of ties between Ankara and Riyadh.
“On Wednesday, we celebrate the 102nd anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey,” he wrote in an article for Saudi-based newspaper Arab News. “The young republic, deriving strength from its rich history and culture, as well as following its motto ‘Peace at home, peace abroad,’ took decisive steps toward a democratic, stable and prosperous Turkey domestically and contributed to stability and peace in the region, as well as at the international level.”
<strong>Countries share 'similar perspectives' on regional issues</strong><br>
“Our countries share similar perspectives on numerous regional issues, such as the implementation of the two-state solution, reconstruction of Syria, maritime security in the Red Sea, and mediation between the conflicting sides in Sudan,” Isler wrote. “We have a strong common ground on upholding principles of respect for sovereignty and good neighborliness, along with promoting dialogue and diplomacy, to achieve peace and security in the Middle East. Both our nations recognize that a two-state solution remains the only viable path to lasting peace in Palestine and, together, they engage with the Islamic world to counter aggression against Muslim nations, particularly in the Middle East.”
Furthermore, bilateral trade is increasing to a historic high of nearly $8 billion a year, he said, and the goal is to almost double this.
Turkey and Saudi Arabia “are key regional actors that share a commitment to peace, stability, and international law,” Isler wrote, citing the importance of potential defense cooperation, which includes joint training and other attempts to increase ties.
“As reaffirmed by both countries during various high-level meetings, particularly at defense industry fairs, we are confident that our military cooperation will continue to grow in terms of both scope and depth,” he wrote. “Turkey’s successful defense industry companies offer numerous potential projects that can further advance our partnership with our Saudi brothers. We firmly believe that our cooperation will strengthen even further in the coming period and that we will jointly achieve our shared objectives.”
This shows how Turkey wants Saudi Arabia as a regional partner, and Iran wants Turkey as a partner. This represents a major play for the future of the Middle East.