Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) said western states have systematically miscalculated Middle East realities and this has resulted in the pattern of failures of the big powers in the region.
Speaking in a meeting with the visiting Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu in Tehran on Sunday, Saeed Jalili pointed to the catalog of western blunders in the Middle East despite their massive funding and costs and said “The main reason for the failures is their (the West’s) lack of attention toward the depth of realities,“ IRNA reported.
The SNSC chief said the 85 percent turnout in Iran’s mid-June presidential elect was another indicator that the US and the West miscalculated Iranian ground realities over the past 30 years.
“The US and the West need a new perception of world realities so that they can reduce their costs and take the right path,“ he added.
Jalili described Iran-Turkey relations as historical, deep and strategic and called for expanding cooperation between the two Muslim neighbors.
“Common threats and opportunities call for the expansion of two-way ties in different fields including political, economic and security.“
Davutoglu expressed satisfaction over his visit and called for expansion of cooperation. He pointed to a recently delivered package of proposals to the Group 5+1 -- the US, Britain, France, Russia and China plus Germany -- by Iran and said it offers a good opportunity for talks on major world issues.
The Turkish minister expressed hope for the resumption of talks between Iran and the 5+1 and said his country would be willing to host the talks.
Call for Regional Cooperation
Prior to his meeting with Jalili, Davutoglu called on President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Saturday and discussed issues of mutual interest and concern.
Ahmadinejad described the two nations as friends, saying Iran and Turkey’s progress is in the interest of the two peoples and the world. He said that cooperation among regional countries is a key factor of stability, calm and progress in the region adding that increasing regional cooperation, especially between Iran and Turkey, is necessary.
Referring to the potentials for both countries to build ties, Ahmadinejad said cooperation between Iran and Turkey must expand, particularly in the key energy sector.
Davutoglu underlined that here are many opportunities for bilateral collaboration, and stressed that in the current situation, it was necessary that bilateral ties proceed to a higher status.
The Turkish official felicitated Ahmadinejad on his re-election and submitted a message to him from Turkish President Abdullah Gul.
Meeting With Majlis Speaker
Davutoglu also conferred Saturday with Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani. According to the Majlis’ Information and Press Bureau, Larijani referred to the cultural, religious, historical and geographical commonalities between the two countries and said the two peoples have always had deep-rooted ties that should be bolstered.
Calling for the continuation of meaningful cooperation, he said Iran and Turkey can play a constructive role in regional developments and restoration of much-needed stability.
The Majlis is willing to help broaden relations and cooperation in political, cultural and commercial fields, Larijani stated.
Referring to the new package of proposals offered by Iran to the G5+1, he said talks are the only solution to the current nuclear case.
Iran has always voiced its readiness to cooperate with international organizations on nuclear issues, he said.
The Turkish foreign minister described Iran as a powerful country in the region and a good neighbor.
Given the commonalities between the two countries, he underlined the need to further deepen cooperation