Tehran, Dec 24, IRNA -- Minister of Cooperatives Ali Soufi and Azeri Deputy Prime Minister Ali Hassanov on Tuesday signed an agreement on the supply of Azeri gas to the autonomous republic of Nakhichevan.

The agreement was reached in the framework of Tehran-Baku fifth economic commission meeting.

Soufi said that Iran and Azerbaijan Republic have extensive capacity to develop cooperation adding that fortunately the agreement included major plans effective in boosting Tehran-Baku economic cooperation.

He said that the agreement envisages supplying Azeri gas to the autonomus republic of Nakhichevan.

Soufi said that there is an atmosphere of confidence and understanding between the Iranian and Azeri nations adding that Iran never left the Azeri people alone during Karabakh conflict and continues its humanitarian aid to the displaced Azeris from Karabakh.

Hassanov welcomed activation of Tehran-Baku economic commission and said that the agreement on supplying Azeri gas to Nakhichevan and construction of roads and border cooperation would be useful for both sides.

He called for bolstering cooperation on cultural, economic and humanitarian fields adding that Azerbaijan Republic is willing to share experience with Iran since ot believes that Iran has precious experience.

Iran, Azerbaijan discuss bilateral ties, international issues

Tehran, Dec 24, IRNA -- Visiting Azeri Deputy Prime Minister Ali Hassanov in a meeting with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mehdi Karroubi here Tuesday discussed the latest important bilateral, regional and international developments.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran and Azerbaijan enjoy deep-rooted and valued bonds," said Karroubi as he lauded the growing trend of bilateral ties.

Pointing to the important role parliaments of democratic systems play, he added that parliaments are symbols of the nations' will and Tehran-Baku ties are an indication of positive cooperation between parliaments.

Karroubi said the two sides' parliamentary relations are not limited to bilateral ties but the two parliaments have also close cooperation within the framework of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC).

The Iranian speaker expressed appreciation over the valuable measures taken by the Imam Khomeini Relief Committee in Iran as well as in Muslim and neighboring states, Lebanon and Azerbaijan in particular, and stressed the important role such measures could play in consolidation of bonds between the nations.

Hassanov, for his part, described the Islamic Republic of Iran as an "important, great, civilized and influential" country in the region.

He praised Iran's peaceful stance on regional and international conflicts, calling for further reinvigoration of bilateral cooperation in political, parliamentary and economic fields.

He conveyed warm greetings of Azeri Chairman of the National Assembly Murtuz Aleskerov to the Iranian speaker and expressed hope the exchange of visits by the two countries' officials would strengthen mutual relations.

"Iran was the first country to help Azeri displaced people in the course of Karabakh conflict in 1993," Hassanov told IRNA on Saturday at the threshold of his visit to Iran.

He added that Iran's Red Crescent Society (IRCS) extended humanitarian assistance to the Azeri displaced people escaping from conflict in Karabakh.

Hassanov said that Azerbaijan is keen on sharing experience with Iran on delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need, adding that he would discuss the issue with Iranian officials during his stay in Tehran.