For the first time Turkey commemorated Iran’s Week in Istanbul. On Thursday, Iranian Minister of Commerce Mohammad Shariatmadari and Turkish Minister for Foreign Trade Kursat Tuzmen as well as hundreds of representatives from Iranian and Turkish private and state enterprises took part in the inauguration ceremony.

During the inauguration ceremony, Tuzman stressed the need for the expansion of trade and economic cooperation as well as cultural ties between the two countries.

Iran attaches great significance to the promotion of ties with neighboring Turkey in all areas. The policy of détente that the Iranian President Mohammad Khatami has been advocating in the region has already paved the grounds for the expansion of ties with neighboring countries in general and Turkey in particular. Relations between Iran and Turkey have been expanded to a level that no foreign power can harm it.

Iran's economic developments have encouraged and facilitated foreign investment. Furthermore, an eight percent economic growth has made it unrivalled among regional countries.

Iran's reform programs, particularly in the economic areas, have been successful. Iran’s endeavor to remove tariffs on mutual transactions with Turkey has already set the stage for the promotion of bilateral relations. This has also prepared the grounds for Turkish companies to promote their trade activities in Iran.

Trade and economic ties between Iran and Turkey are fast growing and the two countries are determined to increase the volume of bilateral trade to five billion dollars. Commercial exchanges between Tehran and Ankara have showed an annual growth of 30-60 percent over the past three years.

As the founders of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Iran and Turkey can boost mutual trade cooperation within the framework of the organization. Furthermore, the two countries can fulfill each other’s needs in different areas.

Iran enjoys significant potentials for exporting gas to Turkey and Turkey’s road and rail capabilities can facilitate transportation of Iranian goods to Europe via that country.

The Turkish Economy Minister Tuzmen has also said that Iranians face no problem in exporting their goods using Turkey as a route. In fact, Iranian businessmen can use Turkey as a bridge to reach the European markets.

Holding Iran's Week in Turkey can prepare suitable grounds for expansion of cultural and economic ties between the two giant neighbors.