Pres. Rouhani: Unjust US sanctions on Iran an absolute terrorist act

AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): President described the 5th Meeting of High Council for Iran-Turkey Strategic Cooperation very effective and said, “Nobody and no power and no third country is able to harm the brotherly, neighbourly and close relations between Tehran and Ankara”.

Speaking on Thursday in a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart after signing of cooperation documents between the two countries, President Hassan Rouhani said, “During the Meeting of High Council for Iran-Turkey Strategic Cooperation, we made decisions for development of trade and economic relations”.

Stating that bilateral, regional and international topics were discussed in his bilateral meeting with the President of Turkey, he said, “Relations between the two countries are based on historical, cultural and religious relations, mutual interest, and development of peace and stability in the region”.

The President went on to appreciate the firm, explicit stances of Mr Erdoğan and the government of Turkey against the unilateralism and illegal sanctions of the United States against Iran, saying, “These stances mean that the two countries abide by the law and respect mutual interest and morality”.

Dr Rouhani described US sanctions against Iran an absolute terrorist action and said, “The US administration intimidates other governments and companies to impose unjust sanctions for not implementing Resolution 2231 and having free trade with Iran, and this is against international regulations”.

“As a binding resolution, Resolution 2231 requires all countries to support it; therefore, a few countries that have taken the American way of thinking, have in fact violated international rules and regulations,” he continued.

President Rouhani also said, “We believe that the times of bullying in the world is over and today, nations act based on their mutual interests”.

On the obstacles on the path of further development of relations between Tehran and Ankara, he continued, “In the meeting of High Council for Iran-Turkey Strategic Cooperation, banking, commercial, industrial, and cultural cooperation, as well as customs, transportation and tourism were discussed”.

“Through cooperation in transit and railroads, Iran and Turkey can connect Asia to Europe and this is beneficial for the entire world and the Middle East as a very critical region,” he added.

Dr Rouhani also said, “During the meeting, Mr Berat and Dr Vaezi were appointed the heads of the joint economic commission of the two countries to develop cooperation and accelerate the process of development of relations between the two countries”.

On Syrian issue, he said, “During the Astana process, Iran, Turkey and Russia have close cooperation with each other and today, we decide to continue this cooperation powerfully”.

“We believe that the future of Syria must merely be at the hands of the Syrian people and the territorial integrity of Syria must be respected. The two countries are unanimous on this topic and we are determined to increase cooperation,” added Rouhani.

He also referred to Yemen and said, “In our discussions, we agreed to increase our cooperation and negotiations to establish peace and security in Yemen and contribute to the Yemeni-Yemeni negotiations”.

During the press conference, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey underscored his country’s determination to further develop and deepen relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

He said, “Turkey is determined to continue its relations with Iran more powerful than the past and we stress our resolve and determination to further cement relations”.

Stressing that all parties to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) should be committed to it, he said, “Iran’s commitment to the deal has been confirmed by the IAEA many times and US’ withdrawal from this deal is not right”.

US sanctions against Iran threatens security and stability in the region, said Erdoğan, adding, “We do not support the United States’ action in this regard at all, and we are ready to cooperate with Iran to alleviate its consequences”.

“Good neighbourliness requires our countries to stand with each other in hard times; therefore, we will stand by the people of Iran despite unjust pressures on the country,” he added.


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