Erdogan in Tehran: It is not all about the economy

The improvement of Iran's relations with Western countries and the lifting of sanctions could pave the way for further expansion of Tehran-Ankara ties

Tehran - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is visiting Tehran on Tuesday amid strong criticism from Iranian politicians over his recent anti-Iran remarks, with several lawmakers having demanded that Erdogan call off his visit.

Erdogan, the first Turkish president to visit Tehran in four years, was expected to exchange views on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest with President Hassan Rouhani, according to a joint statement issued by Tehran and Ankara on Saturday.
The Turkish president was also scheduled to meet Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Erdogan, who will be heading a high-ranking delegation of Turkish ministers, was to participate in the second joint meeting of the Iran-Turkey High Council of Strategic Cooperation, the statement noted. The first meeting of the council was held during Rouhani's visit to Ankara in June of 2014.