TEHRAN – On a diplomatic visit to Ankara on Friday, Iran’s deputy foreign minister and head of the Centre for Politics and International Studies, Saeed Katibzadeh, held a high-level meeting with Turkish officials to reaffirm the importance of close coordination on key regional issues.
The debate opposed the backdrop of Gaza’s worsening humanitarian crisis and the ongoing Israeli attacks in the region.
Khatibzadeh’s visit included a meeting with Oke Memis of the Turkish National Security Council. The two staff considered the latest regional developments, including the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the “difference policy of a diminished Zionist regime.”
Both sides highlighted the important need for solidarity and unity within the Islamic world and the need for continued consultations between Iran and Turkey to overcome common challenges.
On the visit, Katibzadeh met with Turkish vice minister Nuh Yilmaz. Readings from the Iranian conference showed that both authorities considered the latest developments in bilateral relations and emphasized the importance of expanding Tehran-Ankara cooperation in various areas.
The discussion also focuses on the need for greater coordination to local issues and issues relating to Islamic world.
The main point of convergence was the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The two diplomats immediately provided support to the oppressed Palestinians, underscored the urgency to stop the attack and lift up the siege of the region.
Iranian diplomats also expressed their gratitude for the positions taken by the Turkish government and its people in denounce the Israeli regime’s 12-day attack campaign in June.
On his part, Irmaz declared his country’s preparations to deepen relations and work closer together with Iran to support the Palestinian people.
“We are ready to defend our peaceful nuclear program.”
In an interview with Turkish Harbor TV channels during his visit to Ankara, Khatibzadeh addressed Iran’s nuclear program and recent regional tensions. He affirmed Iran’s unwavering commitment to its peaceful nuclear rights and his preparation to defend them.
“Iran is ready to defend peaceful nuclear rights,” Katibzadeh said. “Iran has devoted most of its resources and energy to this peaceful programme. They (the Israeli regime and the West) cannot take Iran.”
Iranian officials also discussed future past and potential nuclear negotiations. “These negotiations continue now,” he said. “We decided to continue and we will.”
He emphasized the need for vigilance to ensure that no one misuses the issue as a “tool in the foreign policy toolbox.”
Khatibzadeh said, “I hope that Europeans understand that anything is possible if the goal is to reach a meaningful understanding between both sides.”