Iran, Turkey to discuss security and border cooperation in Ankara

Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni arrived in Turkey to participate in a joint meeting between the interior ministries of the two countries, according to Mehr News Agency. Speaking upon arrival, Momeni said the joint meeting is normally held once a year, with last year's session taking place in Tehran and this year's in Ankara, in accordance with an agreement between the two ministries.

Momeni stated that the meeting would discuss and decide on issues related to the two ministries, including border crossings, countering narcotics, security matters, trade exchanges, and cooperation against organized crimes. He described Iran and Turkey as two countries whose relations are rooted in history and which share cultural commonalities across various fields.

"Turkey is our friend and brother country, therefore this trip is important," Momeni said, as quoted by Mehr News Agency. The annual meeting serves as a platform for the two neighboring states to coordinate on a range of bilateral issues, particularly those concerning border management and security.

The discussions are expected to cover practical aspects of border cooperation, including the management of border crossings and joint efforts to combat narcotics trafficking and organized crime. Trade exchanges between the two countries are also on the agenda, reflecting the broader economic dimension of the bilateral relationship.

According to Mehr News Agency, the meeting follows the established pattern of annual consultations between the Iranian and Turkish interior ministries, with the venue alternating between Tehran and Ankara.