Türkiye Affirms Importance of Iranian Relations Amid Diplomatic Tensions
Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry stresses its commitment to strong relations with Iran amid diplomatic tensions following comments from its Foreign Minister regarding Iran’s potential support of the YPG. Both countries have engaged in diplomatic exchanges to address grievances, highlighting the significance of maintaining stability in bilateral relations despite regional disagreements.
The spokesperson for the Turkish Foreign Ministry emphasized the significance of maintaining strong ties with Iran, amidst a diplomatic spat over remarks made by Türkiye’s Foreign Minister. Conflicts arose after the Minister expressed concerns regarding Iran’s potential support for the YPG, a group designated as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, during an interview where he cautioned against Iran’s intervention in regional matters.
In the interview, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan remarked, “You shouldn’t throw stones if you live in a glass house. If you seek to stir up a country by supporting a certain group there, you may face a situation where the said country can disturb you by supporting another group in your country.” He further characterized Iran’s reliance on militia proxies in the region as inherently risky and costly.
In retaliation to Fidan’s statements, Iran’s Foreign Ministry summoned the Turkish Ambassador, Hicabi Kırlangıç. During this meeting, the Iranian Foreign Ministry’s director general, Mahmoud Heydari, highlighted the need for mutual respect by stating, “The common interests of the two countries and the sensitivity of regional conditions require avoiding wrongful comments and unreal analyses that could lead to differences and tensions in our bilateral relations.”
Following this diplomatic exchange, Türkiye reciprocated by summoning Iran’s charges d’affaires to express its concerns. The Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson characterized recent Iranian criticism of Türkiye as increasingly vocal and reiterated that foreign policy discussions should not be exploited for domestic political agendas.
In summary, the diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Iran have been tested due to conflicting statements and regional policy disagreements. Both nations, despite their historical differences, emphasize the importance of their bilateral relations and mutual respect. The situation underscores the delicate balance required in international diplomacy, particularly within a politically sensitive region.
Original Source: www.dailysabah.com
