Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Erdogan said yeterday that Ankara is seeking to triple trade volumes with Iran over the next five years – at a time when U.S.-led sanctions are deterring many investors from doing business with the Islamic Republic.

In a speech in Istanbul to business delegates interested in investing in Iran’s machinery, automotive and textile industries, Mr. Erdogan said the two countries were near signing a “preferential trade agreement” that could see trade volumes swell to $30 billion in the period.

Mr. Erdogan was hosting the meeting with Iranian Vice President Mohammad Reza Rahimi.

“I can’t see any reason why we can’t establish an unimpeded trade mechanism with Iran similar to the one with Europe,” the Turkish leader said. “There are lots of things that we can give to Iran, as Turkey has made a serious industrial leap.”

Mr. Rahimi said the Islamic Republic was working on legislation to remove all trade barriers with Ankara and had “no better friend than Turkey in today’s world.” (My emphasis)

Well, Erdogan’s won his constitutional changes, so now we can see his true colours…very swiftly.

For God’s sake Europe, wake up. You too, Cameron.