President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad announced on Monday that the value of trade ties between Iran and Turkey will reach 30 billion dollars during Iranian calendar year 1390, which begins on March 21-MNA reports.
Ahmadinejad made the remarks during a press conference with his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul, who arrived in Tehran on Sunday for a four-day official visit.
"The value of trade ties between the two countries surpassed 10 billion dollars last year and we are determined to increase it to 30 billion dollars through comprehensive cooperation," Ahmadinejad stated.
He added, "Tehran-Ankara cooperation together with the promotion of regional cooperation will turn the region into a great cultural, political, and economic hub."
Ahmadinejad also described Iran-Turkey cooperation in the international arena as "good".
Irandefends Turkey's rights in all international circles, Ahmadinejad said. "I am confident that Turkey will also defend the rights of the Iranian nation in all international forums."
He also thanked Istanbul for the stance it has adopted toward Iran's nuclear program as well as hosting the meeting between Tehran and the 5+1 group (the United States, Britain, France, Russia, China, and Germany) on January 20 and 21.
The talks were a "great success" for the negotiating sides and Turkey, Ahmadinejad added.
Boost of cooperation with Iran on Turkey's agenda
The Turkish president, for his part, expressed satisfaction over his visit to Tehran, adding Ankara is determined to promote its cooperation with the Islamic Republic.
Gul also said that he discussed the latest developments in the Middle East and the Islamic world with the Iranian officials.
Commenting on the developments in the region, Gul said that Islamic governments must take the demands of their nations into consideration.
"When the countries' leaders do not pay attention to the demands of their nations, the people themselves will take action to have their demands fulfilled," he said.
The two presidents also held a meeting before taking part at the press conference.