Turkish and Iranian ministers met in Tehran on Monday to strengthen partnership on security issues, including the fight against terrorism, Daily Sabah reported
Deputy Interior Minister Muhterem Ince and his Iranian counterpart Hossein Zolfaghari met in Tehran for the countries' joint working group meeting where security issues such as organized crime, drug and human smuggling, irregular migration and terrorism were discussed.
The Turkish and Iranian ministers decided to organize joint operations on security issues concerning both countries. After the meeting, the ministers signed a memorandum of understanding.
Speaking of the necessity of mutual operations against terrorism and other security issues, Ince highlighted the ongoing bilateral relations and partnership between the two neighboring countries' interior ministries.
"We aim to properly maintain our fight against terrorism, irregular migration, all kinds of smuggling and such issues, and increase the cooperation," Ince said.
Zolfaghari, for his part, said relations between Iran and Turkey "are affecting the region positively."
"We are witnessing how the cooperation between Iran and Turkey provides the region's stability, security and peace, and two countries' security," he added.
Zolfaghari said that the ministers specifically discussed the enhancement of information sharing between the border forces of the two countries in order to better target terror groups.
In regard to whether Iran would target the PKK, Zolfaghari said, "Action will be taken against everyone who organizes terrorist activities and creates insecurity."
"Those who have committed a crime in Turkey won't be able to seek asylum in Iran, and those who commit a crime in Iran won't be able to seek asylum in Turkey," he added.
Ince said another meeting between the ministries would be organized in coming days.
Iranian Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli visited Ankara in October for a meeting with Turkish counterpart Süleyman Soylu. The two ministers discussed cooperation on regional issues during a closed-door meeting.