Tasnim � Iranian Ambassador to Turkey Mohammad Farazmand said Ankara is seriously determined to boost trade relations with Tehran despite the economic sanctions imposed by the US against the Islamic Republic.


Speaking to Tasnim, Farazmand pointed to Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif�s recent trip to Turkey and said the visit was made within the framework of close cooperation between the two countries, aiming to deepen bilateral ties and coordinate stances on the latest regional developments.

He further referred to Turkish officials� remarks against the US sanctions on Iran and said, �What the Turkish friends are saying about their non-adherence to the American sanctions is very serious and they have proved this in practice.

�Of course, the cruel and unilateral sanctions of the United States have created some problems for private companies and banks but the stance of the Turkish government is to continue its relationship with the Islamic Republic of Iran, and not to consider the US sanctions binding.�

Heading a ranking diplomatic delegation, Zarif visited Turkey earlier this week in a tour that had also taken him to Syria.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Zarif in Ankara on Wednesday, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said the US sanctions against Iran must stop.

Cavusoglu pointed to the economic ties between Tehran and Ankara, saying his country will keep up efforts to reach the target of $30 billion annual trade exchange with Iran.

He also said Turkey will be considering new mechanisms, in addition to the existing approaches, to enhance trade with Iran.