‘IRAN READY TO HELP IN SETTLING NAGORNO KARABAKH CONFLICT’

Tehran, December 14 (AzerTAc). Iran is ready to assist in settling the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno Karabakh conflict, said Iranian foreign minister Manouchehr Mottaki.
Speaking at a joint press conference with his Azerbaijani counterpart Elmar Mammadyarov, Mottaki said they discussed all aspects of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Iran, including expansion of bilateral economic cooperation and construction of Astara (Azerbaijan)-Astara (Iran) railway.
He noted the sides agreed to increase the volume of goods shipping from Azerbaijan to Persian Gulf and visa versa.
Mottaki pointed out they also discussed bilateral energy cooperation, and agreed Iran`s joining the CIS energy system through Azerbaijan.
According to the minister, there is a comprehensive cooperation between Azerbaijan and Iran, and it is of great importance for the region.
Elmar Mammadyarov, in turn, said they exchanged views on political, economic and humanitarian cooperation between the two countries.
Iran is a stable country and this stability is very important for settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict peacefully, said Mammadyarov. He also underlined the necessity of soonest resolution of the conflict.
Touching upon bilateral energy cooperation between the two countries, Mammadyarov said negotiations were underway between the two countries` oil and gas companies.
The minister also underlined the importance of cultural cooperation between the two countries, saying Azerbaijani culture days will be held in Tehran and other cities.