Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu will travel to Iran this week on an official visit, his office said, a visit that could offer the neighbors an opportunity to discuss their sharply different views on the war in Syria.

Tehran, along with Russia, supports Syria's Bashar Assad, while Turkey is among his most outspoken critics and backs the Sunni opposition.

Davutoğlu's visit, which will take place on March 4 and 5 according to a statement from his office, is also important as Syria peace negotiations in Geneva are set to begin on March 9.

The meetings between two powerful actors of the Middle East are also expected to cover regional issues. Turkey has recently developed closer relations with Saudi Arabia, which has cut its diplomatic ties with Iran.

Despite their differences, Turkey and Iran have largely maintained cordial diplomatic relations.

The travel will be the first high-level state visit to Iran since President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited the country in April 2015.