Speaking at an event hosted by the Bursa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mevlut Cavusoglu emphasized the importance of economic ties between countries, Anadolu news agency reported.

“The Iran sanctions affect us, but through constant efforts, we became one of the countries exempted. This was initially done through May, but we're trying to extend that period,” he said.

“We’re working hard for the U.S. to change this decision. We’re not alone. EU members and other European countries agreed with us,” he added.

He also said Turkey has signed free trade pacts with 20 countries and that negotiations with 17 others continue.

The U.S. last August re-imposed one round of economic sanctions on Iran.

In November, Washington imposed a second round of sanctions, targeting Iran’s energy sector.

Washington has exempted eight countries from the sanctions on Iran, including Turkey.

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