Zarif: Iran happy with Uzbekistan’s new era of ties with region
Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif expressed satisfaction over the start of new era in relations between Uzbekistan and the region as well as Iran.
Zarif made the remarks on Tuesday in a meeting with Secretary of the National Security Council of Uzbekistan Viktor Makhmudov, IRNA reported.
The Iranian top diplomat said that development of cooperation between Tehran and Tashkent is in the interests of both nations and in line with reinforcing regional cooperation, maintaining peace, stability and security in the region.
Zarif also described strengthening security and economic cooperation in transit area in Afghanistan as the two countries’ goals aimed at expansion of regional cooperation.
The Iranian top diplomat stressed that Tehran wants a powerful region based on cooperation.
The Uzbek official pointed to historical and cultural commonalities between the two countries and their common stances about regional and international issues.
He said the Central Asian country is interested in expansion of ties with Iran in all fields. Makhmudov said Uzbekistan wants to boost its ties in the areas of transit, transportation, energy, culture and tourism.
He described his meetings with Iranian officials as constructive.
Earlier on the day, the Uzbek official held talks with Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani.