Türkiye Summons Iranian Diplomat Over Anti-Türkiye Comments

The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs invited the Iranian chargé d’affaires to address anti-Türkiye remarks from Iranian officials. The meeting included a review of bilateral relations and a dossier detailing such criticisms. Türkiye aims to maintain strong ties with Iran despite recent tensions sparked by remarks from Turkish and Iranian officials.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry has summoned the chargé d’affaires of the Iranian Embassy following derogatory remarks made by certain Iranian officials about Türkiye. Spokesman Öncü Keçeli stated on March 4 that the Iranian diplomat was engaged in discussions concerning these remarks, which included a variety of bilateral matters. A dossier outlining the Iranian criticisms against Türkiye was provided to the Iranian representatives during this meeting.

Keçeli emphasized the importance of maintaining a clear separation between foreign policy and domestic political issues, stating, “We believe that foreign policy matters should not be instrumentalized for domestic politics.” He reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to valuing and enhancing its relationship with Iran.

The summon occurred shortly after Iran’s Foreign Ministry had called upon Turkish Ambassador Hicabi Kırlangıç to express discontent over Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s comments regarding Iran’s regional activities. While certain Iranian media outlets characterized this meeting as a summon, the Foreign Ministry did not label it as such.

On March 3, Esmaeil Baqaei, the spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, conveyed that Iran holds its relationship with Türkiye in high regard. However, he insisted that the Iranian government deemed it necessary to respond to the Turkish minister’s remarks “decisively.”

In summary, Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry has engaged with the Iranian chargé d’affaires in response to recent critical remarks from Iranian officials, emphasizing the importance of direct communication in foreign policy. Both nations value their bilateral relations, but tensions have arisen following statements from Turkish officials regarding Iran’s regional policies.

Original Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com