TEHRAN Development of bilateral relations between Turkey and Iran was discussed in a meeting between Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and President Mohammad Khatami here yesterday.

In the meeting, the president referred to top priority given to relations with Turkey in Iran's foreign policy.

Cooperation between the two great ancient countries of Iran and Turkey has a positive impact on enhancement of bilateral cordial ties, the region and international arena, he said.

The president added that as a historical responsibility, Tehran and Ankara should try to promote relations in all fields.

He evaluated exchange of views between the officials of the two countries as positive. He said, "We should make efforts to strengthen the two countries' links in the areas of security, politics and economy."

Referring to the two countries' cooperation in implementation of a project on transfer of Iran's gas to Turkey, President Khatami said the project would help Turkey meet its demand in the field and also it would be a prelude to export of Iran's gas to European countries.

Referring to the issue of dialogue among civilizations, the president said, "We should endeavor to establish lasting peace and promote dialogue among nations and civilizations across the world instead of confrontation."

The Turkish foreign minister conveyed warm greetings of his country's president to President Khatami. He said Tehran-Ankara good neighborly ties could be an example for other countries.

He expressed determination of Turkish authorities in boosting relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Also, Turkish foreign minister said here Monday that Ankara with expansion of diplomatic, economic and security ties with Iran is to open a new chapter in relations with the country.

Anatolian News Agency reported that Cem, speaking to reporters on his way to Iran, added that with gas imports from Iran beginning in July, the Turkey's total volume of imports from Iran will surpass $1 billion.

He said that initially Turkey will import about 3 billion cubic meters (BCM) of gas from Iran annually, increasing to 10 BCM by 2007.

Cem said in line with Turkey's increase of imports from Iran, it expects that Iran will grant certain facilities to the Turkish traders interested in gaining a foothold in the Iranian market.

He said that Turkey, will also propose a bilateral security plan outside the framework of the Joint Security Commission.

Meanwhile, visiting Turkish foreign minister here on Monday met and conferred with Majlis Speaker Hojjatoleslam Mahdi Karrubi.

At the meeting, Karrubi pointed to the old and deep-rooted relations between Iran and Turkey and stressed the continuity of the foreign policy of Iran based on expansion of ties with all countries including neighbors and especially the friendly country Turkey.

Emphasizing the effective role of parliaments in strengthening and deepening the relations between the governments, Karrubi said Majlis is fully ready to prepare grounds for further expansion of relations between Iran and Turkey in political, cultural, economic and parliamentary fields.

Majlis speaker pointed to the foreign policy of President Khatami which is based on detente and confidence-building and expansion of ties with all countries of the world and said Majlis fully supports this policy.

He said the idea of dialogue among civilizations is an appropriate base for further understanding between the governments and expressed hope that using the idea, all existing discords between countries would be resolved with dialogue and understanding.