Tue Sep 17 06:09:34 UTC 2024: ## Iran’s New President Pledges to Strengthen Ties with Türkiye, Announces Upcoming Visit
**Tehran, Iran:** Newly elected Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has announced plans to visit Türkiye “soon” and extend an invitation to Turkish officials, academics, and investors. In his first press conference since taking office in July, Pezeshkian emphasized the strong relationship between Iran and Türkiye, calling them “friends and brothers.”
“We share familial bonds beyond mere neighborhood,” Pezeshkian said, highlighting the shared beliefs and cultures between the two nations. He underscored the importance of further strengthening the Tehran-Ankara relationship, calling for increased joint investments and a “seamless travel route” connecting Türkiye to Iran, Turkmenistan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
The president reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to prioritizing amicable relations with its neighbors, echoing the policies of his predecessor, Ebrahim Raisi. This commitment includes pursuing the ambitious goal of achieving a $30 billion foreign trade volume between Türkiye and Iran.
Pezeshkian, 69, was sworn in on July 31st, succeeding Raisi who died in a helicopter crash in May. He has already embarked on a foreign trip, visiting Iraq last week.
The news of Pezeshkian’s planned visit to Türkiye comes amid growing regional cooperation between the two nations, despite longstanding political tensions. This visit is expected to be a key step in strengthening bilateral relations and fostering economic growth in the region.
First Piper 