March 2003 / No. 22

Special Report in Special Pictures

Proximity
A Necessity of the Times

To breathe new life into its economy, Iran is determined to further economic ties with all countries around the world, its neighbors in particular. That would explain the numerous trade delegations shuttling between Tehran and other capitals. One of the most significant capitals is Turkey’s Ankara. As two founding members of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and D-8 and members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), Iran and Turkey share several common stances. Boasting a population of over 130 million, the two partners can take a more active role in removing economic obstacles as well as paving the way for more regional convergence. Iran-Turkey relations have already seen several signs of improvement, such as the 20-year contract for exporting Iranian gas to Turkey which became operational in 2001. Trains now speed back and forth between Istanbul and Tehran, Tabriz and Van as well as the rail link between Istanbul, Tehran and Tashkent, with many supplementing agreements on customs, trade, road, media, and border control. All of these amount to a significant stride forward in achieving regional integration and serve the economic interests of both states, which have yet to realize their full potential and capabilities.