Cicek attends Nevruz celebrations in Tehran

Deputy Prime Minister Cemil Cicek participated in Nevruz celebrations in Tehran, Iran over the weekend. Speaking at the celebrations, Cicek said Nevruz, which heralds the start of spring, represents a common value and cultural marker among various countries of the region. "The people gathered here are not unknown to each other," he said. "We have to be friends and brothers. We are nations who keep a common culture such as Nevruz and common values alive." Also attending the celebrations in Tehran were Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad, Afghan President Hamid Karzai, Tajikistan's President Imam Ali Rahman, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, Turkmenistan's President Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedov, and Azeri Foreign Minister Elmar Memmedyarov. "I think this gathering is very meaningful," said Cicek. "We need solidarity, we need cooperation, and we need to keep our common values alive together."