TEHRAN Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz here on Wednesday said President Mohammad Khatami's transparent outlooks have been highly effective in the improvement of Iran-Turkey ties. Yilmaz made the remark in a meeting with Iranian Deputy Interior Minister and head of the Iranian delegation to the 4th session of Iran-Turkey High Council for Border Security Gholam Hossein Bolandian. The Turkish premier said security cooperation between the two countries is key to the development of bilateral ties in economic, political and cultural fields.

Pointing to the common cultural and historical bonds between the two countries, Yilmaz said the Islamic Republic of Iran is Turkey's most important neighbor, adding that in its foreign relations Ankara attaches great significance to ties with Tehran. Bolandian for his part conveyed warm greetings of President Khatami and First Vice President Hassan Habibi to Yilamz and said President Khatami's policy and that of his administration is based on dialogue and promotion of relations with all countries, neighboring states in particular.

Underlining positive outcome of the 4th session, Bolandian said that two sides studied security matters of mutual interest and border issues in a friendly atmosphere and with goodwill. (IRNA)