On a two-day state visit to Iran Turkey's Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said on Saturday that the two countries, who support opposing sides in the Syrian conflict, need to establish a "common perspective" to bring an end to ethno-sectarian conflicts tearing the region asunder.

"We may have different views but we cannot change our history or our geography," Davotuglu said according to Hurriyet news. "It is extremely important for Turkey and Iran to develop some common perspectives in order to end our region's fight among brothers, to stop ethnic and sectarian conflicts."

He made the comments while standing next to Iran's Vice President Eshagh Jahangiri. Jahangiri followed up Davutoglu's remarks by saying, "We have our differences on some regional issues, but we are determined to manage the differences to reach stability in the region ... Iran and Turkey would both benefit from regional security and stability."

Iran has resolutely stood behind Syria's President Bashar al-Assad throughout the ongoing war in Syria. Turkey on the other hand has denounced Assad and supported some of the armed groups seeking to depose him.

Rudaw