At the meeting, the two sides underlined the need for expanding cultural, art and tourism cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Republic of Azerbaijan.

The Iranian ambassador said the two neighboring states enjoy many commonalties and grounds for expansion of cultural and art relations between the two countries are well-prepared.

Both countries are to broaden ties within Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) and Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), he said. The two sides should speed up activities to follow up already agreements signed between the two countries.

The Azeri minister, for his part, voiced willingness to further broaden much closer ties between the two sides. Iran and Azerbaijan can promote cultural, art and tourism programs in each other countries. Welcoming the invitation extended to him by Iranian minister of culture and Islamic guidance, he expressed the hope that he would visit Iran during March-April. IRNA