Visit by Iran General to Turkey new chapter in ties: US think tank

The American geopolitical intelligence platform, in its report on Friday, referred to a pragmatic willingness between Iran and Turkey to work together on issues of mutual interest, saying 'their historic meeting this week highlighted two more areas in which collaboration could prove beneficial for Ankara and Tehran alike.

'The conflict in Syria is a top priority for Iran and Turkey alike,' Stratfor said.

'And conditions may be right for the two to reach an understanding on northern Syria that would address their main concerns in the war-torn country.'

'By working together, Iran and Turkey could achieve their goals. Their cooperation, however, could further degrade their already strained relations with the United States along the way. After all, Russia — Washington's primary competitor for influence in the Middle East and beyond — is involved in Iran and Turkey's discussions over Syria, too.'

Baqeri arrived in Ankara on August 15 for talks with top Turkish military and political officials.

The Iranian military delegation was officially received by Turkey's Chief of the General Staff Hulusi Akar.

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