‘His calm diplomatic effort will be a guide for the new generation of diplomats’
TEHRAN - Hicabi Kırlangıç, the Turkish ambassador to Iran, tells the Tehran Times that the late Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian greatly contributed to peaceful world order and strengthening multilateralism.
Amir Abdollahian and President Ebrahim Raisi lost their lives in a tragic helicopter crash in northwest Iran on May 19.
Following is the text of the interview with Ambassador Kırlangıç:
What is your thoughts on the passing of the Foreign Minister?
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Honorable President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian and their precious entourage at the tragic accident.
President Raisi and Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian had greatly contributed to enhancing the relations between Türkiye and Iran in various fields. They also had close contact with their Turkish counterparts, President H.E Recep Tayyip Erdo?an and Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Hakan Fidan.
The Presidents and Foreign Ministers have often exchanged views and made joint efforts in the face of national and international challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the 6th February earthquakes in Türkiye and the Gaza War among others.
Throughout Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian’s term in office, he and his Turkish counterpart cooperated on common challenges. Amir Abdollahian and his Turkish counterpart H.E. Hakan Fidan lastly met in Banjul on the margins of the OIC summit on 4 May. Additionally, President Raisi and Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian visited Türkiye on 24 January.
What is your perspective on his diplomatic legacies?
Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian had contributed greatly to solidifying Türkiye-Iran bilateral relations. He visited Türkiye several times in recent periods to exchange views with Foreign Minister of Türkiye H.E. Hakan Fidan and his predecessor H.E. Çavu?o?lu. I observed that his clear and calculated speech during public addresses and meetings was one of his most distinguished strengths.
He contributed greatly to the peaceful world order and strengthening multilateralism through his openness to dialog and constructive diplomacy with his counterparts. He played a critical role in conveying the message of the Iranian government to the world community on the regional crises, particularly the Palestinian issue and atrocities being perpetrated in Gaza. I believe that his calm diplomatic effort will also be a guide for the new generation of diplomats, especially in our region.
How do you see the future of Iran-Turkey relations?
Turkish-Iranian relations have always been strategic and significant for both sides throughout history. Türkiye’s main goal is to develop bilateral relations with Iran, an important, friendly and brotherly neighbor, with which we have historical and cultural ties, on the basis of the principles of good neighborliness and mutual respect.
We strive to develop our bilateral and regional relations within the framework of our common interests. In this context, mutual high-level contacts have gained momentum in recent years. Hence, I believe that this positive trend will continue and give rise to closer relations in the upcoming period. Our effort will be always to realize the broad cooperation potential between Türkiye and Iran in all fields as friendly neighbor countries.
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