Turkey's Ambassador to Iran: Cooperation Potential with Iran is High

Tehran - BORNA - Recently, Hicabi Kırlangıç, Turkey's Ambassador to Iran, affirmed that Ankara is striving to expand its trade relations with the member countries of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), especially Iran, which currently has the highest level of trade with Turkey.

The Ambassador acknowledged the ambitious goal set by Tehran and Ankara to raise the level of bilateral trade to $30 billion. He noted that the countries are still far from this target, despite the vast potential that exists for developing economic relations. He called for proactive planning to capitalize on this capacity.

Sanctions Must Not Deter Cooperation

The senior Turkish diplomat addressed the primary hurdle facing bilateral trade. He pointed out: "One of the obstacles to expanding trade relations between Iran and Turkey is the issue of sanctions. However, we should not cling to this excuse and refrain from trying to increase trade relations."

ECO’s Unexploited Economic Potential

Speaking on the sidelines of the ceremony marking the 41st founding anniversary of ECO, Ambassador Kırlangıç also addressed the organization’s future agenda. He stated that "the most important issue for ECO is economic cooperation among member countries, which is of special importance, but this capacity has not yet been adequately utilized."

He noted the irony that ECO is one of the oldest international cooperation organizations in the world yet has failed to fully exploit the advantages shared by its members: neighboring countries with common borders and shared Islamic heritage.

The Ambassador stressed the necessity of expanding cooperation in tourism, industry, and technology, and defining joint projects. He further identified a critical infrastructure gap, emphasizing that a trans-regional railway among member countries must be established as soon as possible, as reliance on road transport "should not continue."

Structural Issues and Cooling Interest

Responding to questions about why ECO members have failed to fully utilize existing capacities, Ambassador Kırlangıç rejected the idea that members lack conviction, noting that they would not have joined otherwise.

However, he conceded that "it seems the member countries’ enthusiasm has decreased compared to the past." He attributed this cooling of interest to geopolitical factors: "Global and regional developments have also occurred during this period, causing the countries to drift apart. These relations must be revived, and we must believe that we need each other and understand each other's needs. Otherwise, this organization will continue on its current trajectory."

Finally, addressing existing economic problems within ECO, he pointed to transportation and differences in customs laws. He called for members to collaborate and create the necessary customs regulations harmonization to facilitate exchanges.

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