Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

The relations between Iran and Turkey, two powerful countries of the region, became strained with the deployment process of NATO Patriot missiles on Turkey's border with Syria. Iran criticized the deployment of the missiles, saying it will not help establish security and stability in the region.

Earlier in December, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said that the deployment of the missiles along the Turkish-Syrian border poses a threat to regional security.

General Hassan Firouzabadi, the Iranian armed forces chief, believes the deployment could lead to a "world war," which would threaten Europe too.

However, Turkey, as well as NATO, have repeatedly stated that the deployment of Patriot missiles will be defensive only and will in no way support a no-fly zone or any offensive operation.

Also, the cancelling of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's scheduled trip to Turkey has shown a cool-down in the relations between the two countries.

In the meantime, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that the deployment of NATO's advanced surface-to-air Patriot missiles is intended to counter threats not only from Syria, but from Iran as well.

However, Iran and Turkey appear to be committed to normalize their relations despite some differences.

Thus, during his visit to Turkey, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said that enhanced Iran-Turkey ties will bolster regional stability.

Mehmanparast said the relations between Tehran and Ankara are strategic and Turkey holds a special place in Tehran's foreign policy.

He has held several meetings with officials in the Turkish capital Ankara.

In a meeting with the deputy chairman of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) Omer Celik, Mehmanparast discussed key regional issues, including the situation in Syria and the deployment of NATO Patriot anti-missile systems near Turkey's border.

"We need to cooperate with each other to ensure regional security," Mehmanparast said after the meeting.

Regional crises could be resolved through dialogue between Turkey and Iran, the Iranian official said further.

Celik, for his part, said Tehran and Ankara might have different opinions on certain issues but these disagreements have not affected and will not affect the good relations between the two countries.

Mehmanparast, commenting on allegations by some Turkish officials concerning relations between Tehran and PKK, said Iran and Turkey stand by each other in fighting PKK terrorist acts and have good cooperation in this regard, IRNA news agency reported on Wednesday.

He said Iran is seeking establishment of security in the region, because stability and security are beneficial to all regional countries.

With regard to a plan proposed by Iran to resolve the Syrian crisis, he said the clashes in Syria must be stopped and the Syrian people's demands should be supported.

Along with the deployment of Patriots, Mehmanparast has discussed other issues with Turkish officials during his official visit to Turkey.

Mehmanparast said that Iran's trade turnover with Turkey was $16 billion in 2011 and the figure rose to $19.6 billion in the first ten months of 2012, adding that there is a goal to further boost the figure to $30 billion in 2015.