Turkey has affirmed the rejection of US sanctions against Iran, which were described by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani as a terrorist act.
"This US action against Iran is a 100-percent terrorist act," said Iran's president.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey does not approve the US sanctions on Iran since they lead to destabilization in the region.
"We will continue to be in solidarity with brotherly Iran at a time when pressures on Iran mounts which we find unjust," Erdogan said at a news conference with his Iranian counterpart in the capital Ankara on Thursday after chairing the 5th Meeting of the Turkey-Iran High Level Cooperation Council.
He also described Washington’s decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear agreement as a “mistake” that could endanger regional peace.
"There are so many steps that Turkey and Iran can take together to end the clashes in our region and ensure a peaceful environment," Erdogan continued.
Turkey aims to increase bilateral trade with Iran to USD30 billion from the current USD11 billion, he added.
Meanwhile, Rouhani thanked Erdogan for his support against Washington's "unilateral and illegal" sanctions. “We share deep historical, cultural and religious ties,” he said.
“In recent months, Turkey – and especially President Erdogan – has taken a firm stance against the US sanctions,” he continued.
Rouhani also said that the Turkey-Iran cooperation bore fruit during the Astana peace talks process with the participation of Russia.
"We need to increase our efforts to ensure permanent peace that will embrace Syria and whole Syrian people," Rouhani said.
He added that Iran and Turkey have decided to hold talks related to humanitarian aid to Yemen.
