Meeting of the Governor of Khorasan Razavi with the Consul General of Turkey in Mashhad
The Governor of Khorasan Razavi emphasized the necessity of enhancing the province’s relations with Turkey, stating that serious efforts must be made to expand economic exchanges and develop joint cooperation.
Gholamhossein Mozaffari, in his meeting with the Consul General of the Republic of Turkey in Mashhad, said: “The foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, especially under the Fourteenth Government, is based on strengthening relations with neighboring countries and utilizing mutual capacities in economic, social, and cultural fields.” He added: “Turkey holds a special position among Iran’s neighbors, and the presence of the new Consul General can pave the way for improving relations in various areas.”
Referring to the economic, agricultural, and cultural capacities of the province, the Governor of Khorasan Razavi said: “The economies of Iran and Turkey complement each other in many fields, and we are interested in fostering more cooperation in modern technologies and advanced industries.” He continued: “There is potential to create joint value chains for developing production and entering global markets, and in the cement, steel, and mining industries, the capacity for cooperation goes far beyond the current situation. In addition, in the field of transit, especially along the east–west corridor, Khorasan Razavi can play an important role in connecting China to Europe.”
Mozaffari considered investment in the Sarakhs region a suitable starting point for joint cooperation, adding: “Upgrading Sarakhs to a free zone and the extensive capacities of Dogharun provide significant opportunities for Turkish investors.” He reminded that some economic units in the province that have purchased their machinery from Turkey are fully satisfied with the cooperation established.
The Governor of Khorasan Razavi also emphasized the importance of cultural and tourism cooperation, saying: “Khorasan Razavi, with its rich historical and cultural background, can deepen the interactions between the two countries. The birthplace of Haji Bektash Veli in this province creates a strong civilizational bond between Iran and Turkey. The presence of Turkish tourists among the three million foreign pilgrims visiting Khorasan Razavi annually can hold a special place.”
Mozaffari announced the province’s readiness to cooperate in the fields of universities, libraries, museums, and science and technology parks, saying: “Establishing a Turkish language chair in Mashhad and a Persian language chair in Turkey, holding joint cultural weeks, and increasing exchanges between the peoples of the two countries can bring valuable cultural impacts.”
The Consul General of Turkey in Mashhad also referred to the project of connecting the Sarakhs–Cheshmeh-Suraya electric railway line, saying: “We hope the visit of the Governor of Khorasan Razavi to Turkey will yield positive results in this regard.”
Murat Erkol, on the sidelines of this meeting, stated: “The shared determination of the two countries to expand economic, cultural, and commercial relations was clearly observed, and this is very valuable for us.” He added: “Turkey is ready to employ all its capabilities to advance the Sarakhs–Cheshmeh-Suraya electric train project so that its results will be tangibly felt by both sides.”
