Iran advocates Turkey's membership at EUJune 15, 2009 - 22:03 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - "The Islamic Republic of Iran has supported Turkey's membership at the EU in the past and will do in the future," Hosseinpour said in a meeting with Turkish State Secretary Egemen Baghish.He hailed the growing ties between Tehran and Ankara over the past 10 years. "Iran and Turkey can expand cooperation to resolve regional problems. There is no need for interference of foreign countries," the Iranian diplomat said. Baghish stressed the importance of expanding bilateral economic ties and said the two countries should take steps toward enhancing the level of economic cooperation to 20 billion dollars. He said Iran's support for Turkey's membership at the EU would accelerate the process. He urged Tehran and Ankara to exchange views on regional woes including developments in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan as well as the campaign against terrorism and illicit drugs. He expressed hope to pay a visit to Iran in the near future to explore ways for bolstering mutual ties, turkishny.com reported. 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 | Mirzoyan says meeting with Bayramov was “constructive” At the moment, Ararat Mirzoyan said, there is no basis for additional comments. OSCE vows support for Armenia “in all three directions of security” Achieving stable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan remains a priority of the OSCE, said Ian Borg. 151 detained as civil disobedience campaigns continue in Yerevan Citizens have been blocking streets in the Armenian capital, demanding Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation. France welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan meeting in Almaty France has welcomed the new round of negotiations between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan. |