Türkiye and Iran are intensifying efforts to achieve a bilateral trade target of $30 billion, Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat announced Wednesday.
During a visit to Tehran for the 29th meeting of the Türkiye-Iran Joint Economic Cooperation Commission, Bolat met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss enhancing cooperation in trade and infrastructure.
In a closed-door meeting, Pezeshkian reiterated the importance of enhancing relations among Islamic countries, according to a statement released by the Iranian Presidency following the talks.
Pezeshkian noted that he frequently emphasizes this priority in discussions, including during meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Focus on border gate modernization and energy renewal
Bolat highlighted the modernization of border gates as a crucial step in facilitating trade between the two nations.
- Plans to open two new border gates with Iran were discussed.
- Both nations aim to streamline customs processes and reinforce border markets.
Additionally, Bolat expressed Türkiye’s intent to renew its energy agreement with Iran.
“We must resolve issues among us in a brotherly manner and practically strengthen the power of the Islamic world,” Pezeshkian said.
He also expressed Iran’s desire to establish a framework for financial cooperation with Türkiye, aiming to bypass the U.S. dollar in bilateral trade.
“We prioritize the implementation of bilateral agreements and will continue our collaboration strongly to frustrate those who oppose closer relations between our countries,” he stated.
“We are working to open two additional border gates with Iran to ease customs operations and strengthen border crossings and markets between the two countries,” Bolat said after the meeting with Pezeshkian.
Reviving trade and tourism agreements
Bolat called for the revival of the preferential trade agreement signed in 2015 and proposed implementing a comprehensive tourism agreement.
These steps are expected to bolster economic and cultural exchanges between Türkiye and Iran.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing economic and diplomatic ties between Türkiye and Iran, setting a clear agenda for cooperation in trade, tourism, and energy.
