Turkey, Iran vow to strengthen ties amid Syria tensionsOctober 6, 2012 - 11:25 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkey and Iran both expressed a commitment to furthering their bilateral ties on Friday, Oct 5, during high-level talks as tensions escalate along the Turkish-Syrian border, Today’s Zaman reported. “We want Turkish-Iranian relations to progress so as to contribute to the peace and wellbeing of the peoples of the two countries and the region,” President Abdullah Gül told visiting Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Reza Rahimi during a meeting, according to a statement issued by Gül's office. Rahimi, who also met with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Thursday, said the Iranian administration is committed to deepening relations with Turkey in all areas. Rahimi's visit came amid fears that the Syrian crisis could spill over into the region after Turkey hit targets in Syria in retaliation for the deaths of five civilians in a border town caused by mortar shells fired from Syria on Wednesday. On Friday, Iranian Chief of Staff Hassan Firouzabadi warned against a war between Turkey and Syria, saying the U.S. and other Western countries will be the only ones to benefit from it. Firouzabadi said both Turkey and Syria would face bigger problems if they enter into a war and that the Muslim world's interests would also be harmed. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. |