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Europe

Turkey and Iran seek closer economic cooperation

Associated Press
Published | Updated
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    Iran's President Hassan Rouhani speaks during a joint news conference with Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, Turkey, Saturday, April 16, 2016. Rouhani is in Turkish capital for a one-day official visit.( AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici) (The Associated Press)

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    Iran's President Hassan Rouhani listens to Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a joint news conference in Ankara, Turkey, Saturday, April 16, 2016. Rouhani is in Turkish capital for a one-day official visit.( AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici) (The Associated Press)

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    Iran's President Hassan Rouhani, left, and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan speak during a joint news conference in Ankara, Turkey, Saturday, April 16, 2016. Rouhani is in Turkish capital for a one-day official visit. (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici) (The Associated Press)

ISTANBUL – The presidents of Turkey and Iran have agreed to boost economic cooperation between their neighboring nations.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, speaking Saturday at a joint press conference in Ankara, prioritized banking cooperation and easing custom duties to foster investment and increased trade. They also hope to boost tourism between their citizens, a sector that took a hit in Turkey after deadly suicide bombings in Ankara and Istanbul.

Iran has been seeking to integrate into the global financial system since nuclear-related sanctions were lifted, but has accused the U.S. and the European Union of shutting it out despite the deal.

Erdogan said the two nations, which are at odds over Syria, should work together "to tackle the problems of sectarianism and terrorism" that are shaking the region.