Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman said here Monday that the Islamic republic welcomes Turkish president's proposal to trade with Iran in their local currencies, semi-official Fars news agency said.

"Since the past, we have been interested in trades with the countries which enjoy sufficient economic power in national currencies," the spokesman Bahram Qasemi said.

If the Turkish side proves to be serious for a long-term trade, "we will welcome that," Qasemi was quoted as saying.

In recent remarks, Turkish President Erdogan offered to trade with some countries in local currencies.

source: Xinhua