During the meeting in the Turkish capital today, Zarif and Cavusoglu explored avenues for bolstering and reinvigorating bilateral ties.

The Iranian and Turkish foreign ministers also discussed regional developments, the Syrian crisis in particular.
Zarif arrived in Ankara in the early hours of Wednesday on his way back from New York where he attended the 71st Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly.

In late August, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi underlined that Tehran and Ankara are resolved to further broaden their relations in different areas.

"Iran and Turkey share a great deal of commonalities, and that the viewpoints of the two neighboring countries may gradually converge on several current issues of disagreement," Qassemi told reporters.

The Iranian foreign ministry spokesman, meantime, pointed to a recent visit by Cavusoglu to Tehran, and said, "Iranian and Turkish officials exchanged viewpoints on several issues, including the Syrian conflict, during the visit."

Earlier in August, Zarif in a meeting with Cavusoglu in Ankara underlined the need for the further expansion of mutual cooperation in different areas, specially in the war on terrorism.

"Iran and Turkey are important role players in the region, and they should boost cooperation on fighting terrorism," Zarif said during the meeting in the Turkish capital.

SA - 12