Iranian President Sheikh Hassan Rouhani said that relations between Turkey and Iran are critical to the region, in a press conference at the airport in Tehran before his departure for Ankara.

Iranian President Sheikh Hassan Rouhani said that relations between Turkey and Iran are critical to the region, in a press conference at the airport in Tehran before his departure for Ankara.

Sheikh Rouhani said his meetings with Turkish officials will focus on energy relations, particularly on oil, natural gas and electricity, noting that the two countries will also sign agreements regarding economic relations, politics, culture, transportation and security.

Sheikh Rouhani stressed that Turkey is important regionally, adding he was glad that Iran and Turkey had enjoyed political and economic cooperation for many years.

Iranian President arrived in Ankara on Monday for his first official visit to Turkey. He is accompanied by a number of Iranian cabinet ministers and high-ranking officials.

Sheikh Rouhani is scheduled to meet Turkish counterpart President Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Turkey and Iran signed a joint political declaration establishing a High-Level Cooperation Council during Erdogan’s visit to Iran in January.