Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu (R) and Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian (L) hold a joint press conference after their meeting in Ankara, Turkey on June 27, 2022. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua)
ANKARA, June 27 (Xinhua) -- Turkey is against the unilateral sanctions on Iran, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Monday, voicing hopes for the nuclear deal to be restored.
"We have always been against unilateral sanctions against Iran and we do not find it right. We hope that all parties will take the necessary steps to make the nuclear deal work again. This will contribute a lot to the region," he made the remarks at a joint press conference with the visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in the capital Ankara.
Cavusoglu also vowed further cooperation with Iran against terror groups.
"Our cooperation in the fight against terrorism is important. We need to continue to work together on this issue because terrorism is our common enemy," he said.
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu (R) and Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian (L) hold a joint press conference after their meeting in Ankara, Turkey on June 27, 2022. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua)
For his part, the top Iranian diplomat noted that Tehran wants to strengthen relations with Turkey, particularly in the fields of security, military and economy.
"We want stronger relations with neighbors within the framework of good relations. This is the most important axis of our new government," added Amir-Abdollahian.
He also said "Turkey's security concerns in Syria should be resolved immediately and permanently," adding "we understand maybe a special operation might be needed."
The Iranian minister's visit came four days after Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid had talks in Ankara, who thanked Turkey for security cooperation at which the "Iran conspiracy was prevented."
Turkish security forces brought down an Iranian intelligence cell operating in Turkey's biggest city Istanbul, and detained its members for allegedly preparing to attack Israelis, the Ihlas News Agency reported on June 22.
Iran rejected the claims raised by the Israeli minister.
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said on Friday the allegations were "aimed at sowing discord between the two neighboring Muslim countries." ■