News- Middle East: Iran’s defense minister says the Islamic Republic and Turkey can be a model of unity and cooperation for regional countries, warning that enemies seek to magnify the insignificant differences between the two neighboring countries despite their vast commonalties.

Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh made the remarks during his meeting with his Turkey’s Minister of National Defense General Yaşar Güler in the Turkish capital Ankara on Thursday.

Nasirzadeh, who is visiting the neighboring country at the official invitation of his Turkish counterpart, stressed that the visit provided a platform for holding direct talks on bilateral defense relations and regional issues.

“The points of commonality between Iran and Turkey are so vast that the differences appear insignificant in comparison; however, the enemies have always sought to magnify these differences and downplay the commonalities,” Iran’s defense minister emphasized, highlighting cultural and religious ties.

Nasirzadeh also considered the development and strengthening of defense relations and interactions with neighboring countries to be among Iran’s priorities.

“Turkey, as an important country in the Islamic world and the international arena, possesses effective economic, political, and military capacities, and the expansion of defense and military relations with this country can play an influential role in resolving the challenges of the Islamic world and the region,” he stressed.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Iran’s defense minister touched on the recent regional developments, particularly Israel’s relentless aggression against different countries. 

“The Zionist regime, with its repeated attacks on Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, and Syria, and even targeting Qatar, has once again demonstrated its expansionist and crisis-creating nature," Nasirzadeh said.

"With its successive assaults on the countries of the region and the killing of innocents, this child-killing regime has placed itself at the top of the list of the world’s most detested regimes in the eyes of people worldwide. Today, all the countries of the region are unanimous in condemning and confronting the crimes of this accursed regime."

He also underscored the role of boosting military cooperation in raising the level of bilateral ties, extending an invitation to Güler to visit Tehran and follow up on the agreements reached between the two countries.

The Turkish defense minister, for his part, referred to the importance of Nasirzadeh’s trip to Ankara, describing it as a clear symbol of close bonds between the two countries in various fields.

He touched on the presence of terrorist groups in the region that, under the guidance of certain governments outside the region, seek to create insecurity and instability. 

Güler declared his readiness for joint cooperation in combating terrorism and establishing security in the region.

“Just as Iran considers Turkey’s security its own, Turkey will also exert its utmost efforts to enhance security, especially along the common borders,” the Turkish defense minister emphasized.

Speaking at the conclusion of his visit, Nasirzadeh emphasized the need for constant readiness to defend the country and warned citizens to be alert against enemy psychological warfare.

Nasirzadeh highlighted discussions on border security cooperation and regional threats posed by Israel. “This was a productive trip as it marked the first substantial dialogue in this area in some time,” he said.

He noted that despite some differences, Iranian and Turkish positions are largely aligned.

Addressing concerns over increased military equipment movements in the region, particularly by the United States, he stated that Iran’s armed forces must remain prepared to defend the nation at all times.

He described much of the recent activity as psychological operations aimed at destabilizing society and disrupting economic stability.

“The constant talk of an imminent attack is designed to create societal problems. This is part of the warfare,” Nasirzadeh said.

Urging the public to focus on their daily lives and economic activities, he reassured that if war were imposed on Iran, the military’s duty is to defend the country, as demonstrated in the 12-day war in June when Iran forced a ceasefire.

Source: Press TV