Kharrazi referred to the two countries' historical and cultural commonalities, adding that Iran and Azerbaijan are two states enjoying political stability and with tremendous energy resources.

He said that last year's visit of the Azeri president to Iran contributed much to the expansion of bilateral economic ties.

Kharrazi also expressed optimism reciprocal ties would receive a boost in the near future, and noted that since the presidency of Heydar Aliyev Azerbaijan has witnessed greater stability and security which are added factors to a strengthening of bonds between the two sides.

The Iranian minister also conveyed Iranian President Mohammad Khatami's willingness to visit Baku in the near future, and said one of the objectives of his trip is to pave the way for such visit.

Vilayat Guliyev, for his part, expressed satisfaction with Kharrazi's visit to Baku, adding that visits of the kind will provide more opportunities for the two states to exchange views on regional and international developments.

He also expressed the hope the visit will help strengthen the cooperative ties of the two states.

The official pointed to the Islamic Republic as an important regional country, stressing that it has a significant role in guaranteeing security, stability, as well as economic development for the entire region.

Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi, heading a delegation, arrived here on Monday on the first leg of a three-nation Caucasus tour which will also take him to Georgia and Armenia.

During his stay in the region, Kharrazi is to hold talks with senior officials of his host countries on pressing regional matters and issues of mutual interest.

The Iranian foreign minister received a warm welcome by Azeri officials on his arrival at Baku's airport.

From Azerbaijan, the Iranian foreign minister will proceed to Georgia where he is scheduled to hold talks with President Eduard Shevardnadze. He will conclude his tour with a visit to Armenia where he will hold talks with President Robert Kocharyan.

Iranian special envoy for Caspian Sea affairs Mehdi Safari and Fazel Amir-Jahani, a member of the Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, along with a number of Foreign Ministry officials are accompanying Kharrazi on this Caucasian tour.