Iranian FM in Turkey to discuss ‘worrying’ developments

ANKARA, Turkey – Iranian Foreign MinisterMohammad JavadZarif arrived in Turkey on Wednesday, saying there was a need for close discussions with Turkish officials on “worrying” developments in the region.

Zarif was scheduled to meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu for talks on bilateral and regional issues, Turkish officials said.

His visit is taking place on the same day Iran was hit by a pair of attacks — on its parliament and the shrine of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini — which killed at least 12 people and wounded dozens. An hours-long siege at the legislature ended with four attackers dead. The Islamic State group claimed the attacks.

It also comes as Saudi Arabia and other neighbours cut diplomatic ties with Qatar, alleging it funded terror groups and has developed a close relationship with Iran, a nation with which it shares its vast offshore natural gas field.

“There are worrying developments for us that are taking place in the region,” Hurriyet newspaper quoted Zarif as telling reporters as he arrived at his hotel in Ankara. “There is a need for a close exchange of views with Turkey concerning these developments.”

Asked to comment on Wednesday’s attacks in Iran, Zarif said: “These attacks will strengthen the people’s stance against terrorism.”