TEHRAN - The Club of Young Journalists (CYJ) conducted an interview with the Turkish ambassador to Tehran on the future perspective of Iran-Turkey relations.

The CYJ quoted the new Turkish ambassador, Selahettin Alpar, as saying that Iran and Turkey are two important regional states and that Turkey has extensive relations with Iran in the fields of politics, technology and the economy.

He said that his main objective during his term in office would be to create better understanding of the two countries' priorities among relevant authorities and officials.

Alpar added that Iran and Turkey currently enjoy satisfactory relations.

He pointed to the longstanding historical and cultural commonalities of the two countries, as well as the fact that they are neighbors as factors which encourage strengthening of bilateral relations.

The ambassador pointed to the fact that the peace process in Central Asia is very complicated and that Turkey has always tried to adopt moderate stances in this respect.

Pointing to the massive turnout of the Iranian nation in February 11 demonstrations, Selahettin Alpar said that it showed the will and aspirations of the Iranian nation, adding that they closely follow the directives of the Leader, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei.

He added that his understanding of the directives of Iranian officials is that safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity are among the most important features of Iran's policies.

In regard to the recent remarks of U.S. President George W. Bush against Iran, the Turkish ambassador said that Iranian officials' statements indicate that Iran has cooperated in the war on terrorism.

In addition, the Iranian president and foreign minister have both emphasized that there is no evidence indicating that Iran has been involved in terrorist activities.

He added that the meeting of OIC and EU foreign ministers in Istanbul clarified that every civilization has its own values and no civilization should consider itself superior to others.

On the possibility of a U.S. attack against Iran, Alpar said that he believed no such attack was possible.

The ambassador stressed that the regional countries have the right to establish their relations according to their own interests, adding that the establishment of the gas pipeline from Iran to Turkey was a measure taken in the interests of both nations.

In conclusion, he said that as the president of the Islamic Republic has pointed out, the 21st century should be the century of dialogue, tolerance, democracy and dignity, and that the differences should be set aside and all nations should work to ensure a better future for the humanity.