Turkey, Iran pledge greater cooperation over Syria

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, right, shake hands with the Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, during their meeting in Ankara, Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. Turkey and Iran have held opposing positions on Syria, with Iran backing the government of Syrian President Bashar Assad and Turkey advocating his departure. (Kayan Ozer/Presidential Press Service via AP) (The Associated Press)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, right, shakes hands with the Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif during their meeting in Ankara, Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. Turkey and Iran have held opposing positions on Syria, with Iran backing the government of Syrian President Bashar Assad and Turkey advocating his departure. (Kayan Ozer/Presidential Press Service via AP) (The Associated Press)

ANKARA, Turkey – The foreign ministers of Turkey and Iran have pledged greater cooperation on resolving the Syria crisis despite their differences.

At a joint news conference Friday, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and his Iranian counterpart, Mohammad Javad Zarif, said the two neighboring nations also intended to boost trade ties.

Zarif meanwhile expressed support to Turkey over last month's failed coup attempt, praising the Turkish people for defying the "overthrow and use of force." Turkey has complained about a lack of support from its Western allies over the attempted coup.

Turkey and Iran have held opposing positions on Syria, with Iran backing the government of Syrian President Bashar Assad and Turkey advocating his departure.

Despite the differences Turkey and Iran will "strengthen cooperation for a lasting peace in Syria," Cavusoglu said.