Turkish media have noticeably attached importance to Iranian President Sheikh Hasan Rouhani’s visit to Ankara.

Turkish media have noticeably attached importance to Iranian President Sheikh Hasan Rouhani’s visit to Ankara. 

The visit is of much significance as it is the first tour by an Iranian president since the year of 1996. The Iranian delegation accompanying Rouhani also comprises seven ministers, 100 businessmen in addition to the head of Iran’s central bank.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul welcomed his Iranian counterpart in a remarkable official reception. The two leaders then held a joint press conference in which they announced reaching a deal over three issues:
-    Expansion of economic cooperation between the two countries.
-    Cooperation in countering terrorism
-    Proceeding dialogue between the two countries concerning the disputed issues in the region.

Al-Manar correspondent in Ankara, Hasan Tahrawi, said that the huge delegation accompanying Rouhani indicates that the visit is of much significance on the economic level. Tahrawi reported that several accords will be signed during the visit, most of which are economical agreements.

The visits come at a time Tehran strengthen its stance along with its allies. The Islamic Republic is close to reach a final deal with the World Powers on its nuclear program, as the results of the Iraqi and Syrian elections are in favor of the policies adopted by Iran throughout the past few years.

The editor in chief of the Iranian daily Al-Wifaq (Al-Vefagh), Moseeb al-Nuaimi considered that the regional events proved the righteousness of the Iranian policies which were the result of a factual and logical vision.
“Tehran has frequently refused a non-peaceful solution for the (Syrian) crisis, while others went on with scenarios plotted by foreigners,” the Iranian Journalist said, adding: “and we have seen the repercussions of these scenarios.”

Despite the disagreement between the two neighbors concerning several regional issues, the ties have never been cut, even during the strained relations between Ankara and Damascus., Nuaimi pointed out.

“Economical, social and touristic cooperation was not halted between the two countries, as the border crossing did not witness problems.”
He considered that the economical affairs is a common point between Tehran and Ankara, noting that these it may bring other disputed issues to table for discussion.

The Iranian concern over terrorism is serious, Nuaimi added, noting that Rouhani had expressed this concern. “The terrorism which has hit the region from Iraq to Syria to Egypt, it may also hit any other state in the region.”

The bombings which have killed innocents… are due to the wrong policies, “and Imam Khamenei had warned against a Takfiri situation (in the region), but he also warned against who is behind this situation and who utilizes from it.

When talking about and Turkish-Iranian approach, questions are being raised whether there is a Turkish shift towards Syria.
Our correspondent considers that there is an exaggeration in the term “shift”, noting that the Ankara is reviewing its policy taken towards Syria in the last three years.

“What has happened in Syria: the militants’ failure and the results of the latest elections, prompts many (Turkish) politicians and media outlets to acknowledge that the Turkish policy towards Syria was wrong,” Tahrawi said.

Concerning the stance on Egypt, the Turkish position is still vague, as President Gul didn’t go into this issue during the press conference with Rouhani.  

“But there is still a chance to find solutions for several crises in the region, either in Syria or in Egypt… and even in Iraq.” Nuaimi said, noting that these approaches are in a bid to save the region’s strength “especially the resistance which represents strategic priority according to the Islamic Republic.”

Report translated by Marwa Haidar

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