Georgian President continues visit to Iran

Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili, on a visit to Iran, met with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Khatami, head of the Expediency Discernment Council Ali Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani, and Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi.

They focused on security and stability in the Caucasus and the expansion of bilateral relations in different spheres. The sides signed four documents on cooperation in trade, culture and transport spheres.

"We are ready to develop cooperation with the Islamic Republic in varied spheres," Mikhail Saakashvili said at the meeting with Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi.

"Iran is playing an important role in the region and we expect the development of bilateral relations to form a new potential of Tehran-Tbilisi interaction," the Georgian President noted.

According to Kamal Kharazi, "the consolidation of Iranian-Georgian relations, mutual consultations of our officials can boost regional cooperation to settle crises".

"Iran boasts a positive experience in crisis settlement in Central Asia and Afghanistan and plays a constructive role in regional peace and stability and fight against drug trafficking," the Foreign Minister said.

Moreover, he claimed Iran's readiness to help Georgia settle regional conflicts to promote solidarity and friendship.

Former Iranian President, head of the Expediency Discernment Council Ali Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani pointed out Georgia's role in the Caucasus and expressed hope for the development of bilateral ties following Mr. Saakashvili's visit.

"Overall cooperation between Tehran and Tbilisi can boost economic development and prosperity of the two nations," he stressed. In his words, it is necessary to use the existing potential in oil and gas, agricultural, aircraft and other fields.

Ali Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani also emphasized the importance of the usage of the North-South international transport corridor.

On his part, the Georgian leader expressed hope that the transportation of Iranian gas via Georgian territory would contribute to the efficiency of Iranian-Georgian cooperation.

A diplomatic source has told RIA Novosti that Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili has headed for the city of Isfagan in Central Iran, where he will meet with the province leadership and discuss issues of regional cooperation.