Iran FM, Uzbekistan president discuss mutual ties, regional issues

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev have discussed ways to boost bilateral cooperation in different fields as well as leading issues in the region.

During a meeting in the Uzbek capital of Tashkent on Monday, Zarif briefed the Uzbek president on the latest developments in mutual relations in various political, economic and cultural sectors, saying that Tehran is keen to further expand cooperation in the light of extensive capacities of the two sides.

The Uzbek president, for his part, stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation with Iran and urged the two countries' officials to hold the 14th session of the two countries' joint economic commission at the earliest.

Zarif and Mirziyoyev also exchanged views about the peace process in Afghanistan and the expansion of bilateral cooperation with regards to international issues.

The chief Iranian diplomat arrived in Tashkent on Monday at the first leg of a four-nation Central Asian tour that will also take him to Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.

In a meeting with Uzbek Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov earlier in the day, Zarif said Iran can provide Uzbekistan with a transit route to international markets and waters.

"Today, we discussed economic, political and cultural relations, and the strengthening and expanding of these ties between Iran and Uzbekistan, as well as regional cooperation, especially with regard to peace in Afghanistan,” Zarif told reporters on his meeting with Kamilov.

He also visited the Center for Islamic Civilization in Tashkent.

MG