Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi attend a joint press conference in Ankara, Türkiye, on Jan. 24, 2024. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said on Wednesday Iran and Türkiye have set a target to raise bilateral trade to 30 billion dollars per year, which is achievable in view of their capacities. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua)

TEHRAN, Jan. 24-- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said on Wednesday Iran and Türkiye have set a target to raise bilateral trade to 30 billion dollars per year, which is achievable in view of their capacities.

Raisi made the remarks in an address to reporters before leaving Tehran for Ankara on a visit at the invitation of his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, according to a statement published on the presidential office's website.

He described Türkiye as Iran's important trade and economic partner, saying the two countries would sign important documents during his trip, which indicated their determination to expand bilateral trade and economic relations.

Raisi said among the other objectives of his visit was to negotiate regional issues, with Palestine being among the most important ones.

He noted that supporting "the resistance of the oppressed and strong Palestinians" was the common position of Iran and Türkiye.

The Iranian president blamed the U.S.-Western support for Israel for the failure to stop the bombardments of Gaza.

He said among the issues that should be addressed during his visit was the need to sever Israel's "vital arteries, which can help stop its crimes against Palestinians."

Raisi expressed hope that the trip would lead to the expansion of the Iran-Türkiye cooperation at the bilateral, regional, and international levels.

According to Iran's official news agency IRNA, a high-ranking political and economic delegation is accompanying Raisi during his first trip to Türkiye.

The two presidents are scheduled to hold a private meeting after Raisi arrives in Ankara, before they co-chair the eighth meeting of the Türkiye-Iran High Level Cooperation Council and hold a joint press conference. ■

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R, Rear) and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi (L, Rear) attend a joint press conference in Ankara, Türkiye, on Jan. 24, 2024. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said on Wednesday Iran and Türkiye have set a target to raise bilateral trade to 30 billion dollars per year, which is achievable in view of their capacities. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua)

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi addresses a joint press conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (not in the picture) in Ankara, Türkiye, on Jan. 24, 2024. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said on Wednesday Iran and Türkiye have set a target to raise bilateral trade to 30 billion dollars per year, which is achievable in view of their capacities. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) shakes hands with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi at an official ceremony in Ankara, Türkiye, on Jan. 24, 2024. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said on Wednesday Iran and Türkiye have set a target to raise bilateral trade to 30 billion dollars per year, which is achievable in view of their capacities. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) shakes hands with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi at a joint press conference in Ankara, Türkiye, on Jan. 24, 2024. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said on Wednesday Iran and Türkiye have set a target to raise bilateral trade to 30 billion dollars per year, which is achievable in view of their capacities.