Zarif: Iran can provide Uzbekistan with transit route to intl. markets
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says the Islamic Republic is able to provide Uzbekistan with a mode of transport to international markets and waters.
The top Iranian diplomat made the remarks after meeting his Uzbek counterpart Abdulaziz Kamilov in Uzbekistan's capital Tashkent on Monday on the first leg of his visit to four Central Asian nations.
"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.
"Our very long common history further expands the basis for friendship between the two nations," he added.
Zarif also voiced hope that the two sides would be able to expand bilateral ties during his meeting with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, which will be held later in the day.
During his visit to Uzbekistan, Zarif is expected to discuss the current bilateral cooperation in political, economic, investment, transportation, logistics areas as well as other issues of mutual interests.
The chief Iranian diplomat is also scheduled to visit Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan to meet with officials of those countries.