Head of Türkiye-Iran parliamentary friendship group meets Iranian ambassador

By Seyit Kurt

ANKARA (AA) - The head of the Türkiye-Iran Parliamentary Friendship Group at Türkiye’s parliament held on Tuesday talks with Iranian ambassador on recent developments in Iran and their potential impact on regional stability.

Kayhan Turkmenoglu, who also serves as a lawmaker from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) met envoy Mohammad Hassan Habibollahzadeh and his delegation at the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM).

Demonstrators in Iran have taken to the streets since late December against fall in the value of the Iranian currency, the rial, and worsening economic conditions.

According to a statement on the US social media company X, the meeting focused on the course of recent social developments in Iran and possible implications for regional peace and stability.

Turkmenoglu said Türkiye and Iran are long-standing neighbors sharing a common border, stressing that the border represents not only geographic proximity but also shared responsibilities in terms of security and stability.

He said maintaining internal peace, social harmony and political stability in both countries is vital not only for national security but also for border security and broader regional stability.

“Strengthening stability in Türkiye and Iran will directly contribute to lasting peace in our region,” Turkmenoglu said. “Developments in our neighbor Iran should be closely followed not only in terms of domestic dynamics but also with regard to the peace, security and stability of our region.”

He added that relations between Türkiye and Iran are rooted in history and strong neighborly ties, noting that parliamentary dialogue and friendship groups play an important role in sustaining relations on the basis of mutual understanding and constructive engagement.

Turkmenoglu said, they believe such contacts that enhance dialogue and mutual trust are particularly important during sensitive periods and contribute to regional peace and stability.