Gul: Ankara to set ties irrespective of others' expectations
Iran-Turkey-Gul
Turkish President Abdullah Gul said Saturday that his country will set ties with its neighbors irrespective of others' demands and wishes, taking only its own national interest into account.
Speaking to reporters, broadcast live on the NTV TV, Gul hailed 'fruitful and helpful' visit to Turkey by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and said, "Expansion of relations on regional level seems quite natural for Turkey and it is not important what other states think of it; Turkey cares for its own interests. Turkey will establish good ties with its neighbors with an aim of stability and security in the region."
He said both Iran and Turkey can have different policies but everybody would have to respect this point.
He added that ample issues came up for discussions during President Ahmadinejad's Turkey visit, the most important of which was the nuclear issue.
"In case of any event in the vicinity of Turkey borders, shouldn't Turkey pay attention to it? Iraq war happened; Did only the Iraqis suffer in the aftermath? So, everybody should feel responsibility to solve the nuclear problem," Gul declared.
