Tasnim� Turkish Ambassador to Iran Reza Hakan Tekin underlined the importance of relations between the two countries, saying Tehran and Ankara share common interests in the Middle East.

�Just by looking at a map we would see how important these two countries are for one another,� Tekin told a conference titled �Turkey�s Middle East policies� at Tehran�s Shahid Beheshti University on Monday.

�National interest is the main element of international politics,� he said. �But it is not possible to say this for Turkey and Iran because our interests are common and if we have a competition, it is in line with the interests of both countries.�

He further pointed to the problems facing the Middle East and said, �Trust is what we need the most in the region.�

�It seems difficult to solve problems without settling the (trust) issue,� he was quoted as saying by the Anadolu Agency.

�In principle we want the region�s problems to be solved by the countries of this region,� Tekin said.

�Every problem which can�t be solved becomes deeper,� he said.

�Our vision for the region is to ensure permanent peace, stability, and economic development.

�If we can achieve this, the future will be much brighter,� he went on to say.