Speaking on Tuesday night in a meeting with the Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov, Ayatollah Dr Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi thanked Turkmenistan for its cooperation and support for Iran's permanent membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, saying, "Relations between Iran and Turkmenistan are beyond political and economic relations, and stem from the heart and belief between the two nations and the level of these relations should increase day by day".
Pointing out that the capacity to expand Tehran-Ashgabat relations is far beyond the current level, the President said, "Increasing the level of relations by activating cooperation capacities in various fields, especially transit and energy, is in the interest of the two nations and the region".
On the issue of Afghanistan, Ayatollah Raisi said, "We must work towards peace and security and the formation of an inclusive government in Afghanistan that represents all ethnic groups and political currents in the country".
Our country favours establishing comprehensive relations and strengthening and deepening Tehran-Ashgabat ties, said Turkmen Foreign Minister, adding, "We consider Iran as our brother and friend country and seriously seek to increase the level of relations and cooperation in various fields including oil, gas, transportation and trade".
Referring to the importance of developing regional cooperation between the two countries, the Turkmen Foreign Minister said, "Turkmenistan supports the initiative of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Afghanistan and is ready to have close relations and cooperation with Tehran at all regional levels".