Turkey underscores the importance of its relationship with Iran amid diplomatic tensions following comments from its Foreign Minister regarding Iranian support for the YPG. The Turkish Foreign Ministry highlights the need for direct communication to resolve disputes, even as both countries hold differing positions in the regional context, particularly in Syria.
On Tuesday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson emphasized the importance of maintaining relations with Iran amidst heightened tensions following remarks made by Turkey’s Foreign Minister. Tensions arose after the Minister cautioned Iran against supporting the YPG, a group associated with terrorist activities that threaten Turkey’s stability, stating that meddling in another country’s internal matters could provoke retaliatory actions.
In an interview, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan criticized Iran’s regional strategy of employing militias as proxies, asserting that it leads to more significant costs for Iran in sustaining its territorial gains. Concurrently, Iran’s Foreign Ministry responded by summoning Turkey’s Ambassador, stressing the need to avoid comments that might escalate tensions between the two nations.
The summoning of Turkey’s diplomats reflects a growing trend of Iranian officials publicly criticizing Turkey. In response, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry expressed its commitment to direct communication and resolving disputes amicably, reiterating its respect for the bilateral relationship. Historically, while Turkey and Iran have experienced friction, they have also pursued cooperative endeavors, particularly on commercial and cultural fronts, despite differing stances in the Syrian conflict.
In summary, both Turkey and Iran are navigating a complex relationship marked by diplomatic spats and shared interests. The recent tensions revolve around Turkey’s Foreign Minister’s comments on Iranian support for the YPG, which has drawn criticism from Iran. Despite these challenges, both nations aim to preserve diplomatic dialogue and recognize the necessity of their relationship in the face of regional instability.
Original Source: www.dailysabah.com
