Turkey-Iran: divisions over Syria, but trade set to prosper

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Turkey-Iran: divisions over Syria, but trade set to prosper



Ankara and Tehran may be on opposite sides concerning the Syrian civil war, but all signs are pointing to improved trade ties in the near future.

On the first visit of a Turkish prime minister to Iran in two years, Ahmet Davutoglu called for both countries to work towards the same goal.

“It is extremely important for Turkey and Iran to develop a common perspective in order to end our region’s fight among brothers and to stop the ethnic and sectarian conflicts,” he said.

Shi’ite Iran backs Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, while Turkey supports the mainly Sunni Muslim opposition. Differences over the conflict were on the table during Davutoglu’s visit, but trade and cooperation also helped form the basis of the talks.

The lifting of international sanctions on Iran and political gains for President Hassan Rouhani in recent elections have put Tehran on track for economic growth. And officials from both countries have voiced a will to reap trade benefits.

-- (c) Copyright Euronews 2016-03-06