Iranian Ambassador to Turkey Alireza Bigdeli says Tehran and Ankara can raise the volume of their trade exchanges to USD 30 billion in the near future.

In a meeting with Turkish Customs and Trade Minister Hayati Yazici, the Iranian ambassador said the objective could be achieved through expansion of mutual cooperation.

Bigdeli noted that Iran and Turkey are happy with the existing customs cooperation, saying they are willing to broaden their ties to that effect.

Yazici, for his part, underlined the need for higher transactions between Iran and Turkey which would be commensurate to historic, cultural and social commonalities between the two countries.

The Turkish minister added that Iran-Turkey trade totaled USD 22 billion in 2012 and reaffirmed Ankara’s determination to focus its efforts on raising it to USD 30 billion.

HK