Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed on Sunday bilateral relations between their countries, reported the German news agency (dpa).

They agreed on dedicating efforts towards development in order to bolster ties between Tehran and Ankara.

Rouhani had received a telephone call from Erdogan on the occasion of the Eid al-Fitr holiday, reported Iran’s Fars news agency.

The officials discussed bolstering relations and cooperation given Iran and Turkey’s influential role in the region, it said.

Talks also covered the developments in Sudan, Libya, Yemen and Afghanistan.

Iran and Turkey work side by side with other friendly and fraternal nations, Rouhani was quoted as saying.

Together, they can end tensions and help resolve pending problems in the Islamic world, he added.

He underscored the importance of counter-terrorism cooperation between Tehran and Ankara and bolstering border security between their countries.

For his part, Erdogan said that developing relations with Iran and Turkey will benefit the people of both countries.

He stressed the need to develop cooperation in various fields, especially trade and economy.

Commenting on US sanctions against Iran, he slammed “this oppressive injustice, which is why we are seeking to develop friendship and cooperation with Iran.”

Asharq Al-Awsat