TEHRAN - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad announced on Monday that the value of trade between Iran and Turkey will reach $30 billion during Iranian calendar year 1390, which begins on March 21.

Ahmadinejad made the remarks during a joint press conference with Turkish President Abdullah Gul, who arrived in Tehran on Sunday for a four-day official visit.
“The value of trade exchanges between the two countries surpassed 10 billion dollars last year and we are determined to increase it to 30 billion dollars through comprehensive cooperation,” Ahmadinejad stated.
He added, “Tehran-Ankara cooperation, together with the promotion of regional cooperation, will turn the region into a great cultural, political, and economic hub.”
Ahmadinejad also described Iran-Turkey cooperation in the international arena as “good”.
Iran defends Turkey’s rights in all international forums, Ahmadinejad said. “I am confident that Turkey will also defend the rights of the Iranian nation in all international forums,” he added.
He also thanked Turkey for the stance it has adopted toward Iran’s nuclear program as well as for hosting the meeting between Iran and the 5+1 group (the United States, Britain, France, Russia, China, and Germany) on January 20 and 21 in Istanbul.
The talks were a “great success” for the negotiating sides and Turkey, Ahmadinejad added.
Turkey keen to increase cooperation with Iran
The Turkish president expressed satisfaction over his visit to Tehran, adding that Ankara is determined to expand cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Gul also said that he discussed the latest developments in the Middle East and the Islamic world with the Iranian president.
Commenting on developments in the region, Gul said that the governments of Islamic countries must take the demands of their people into consideration.
“When countries’ leaders do not pay attention to the demands of their people, the people themselves will take action to realize their demands,” he said.
The two presidents also held a meeting before the press conference.