Turkey's interior minister meets Iranian counterpart

Turkish interior minister on Thursday welcomed his Iranian counterpart and the delegation accompanying him in the capital Ankara.

"The bilateral cooperation and steps we have taken during rough times has not only increased hopes but also encouraged and strengthened us," said Süleyman Soylu during his meeting with Iran's Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli.

Recalling the historical ties between Iran and Turkey, Soylu said the two countries have taken significant steps in the last two years on cooperation and responsibilities.

He further noted that the close cooperation between the two countries has recently become high-level.

Fazli, for his part, welcomed the cooperation between Turkey and Iran and said his country is "serious" about further enhancing relations.

"Strengthening the relations between the two countries, in all circumstances, is one of Iran's priorities," said Fazli.

Underscoring the necessity of working together in regional matters, he added: "Regional matters must be resolved by the regional countries. We recognize Turkey as one of the most important and effective countries in our region."

The two ministers, along with the delegation, later continued their meeting with doors closed to the media.