TEHRAN (Tasnim) � The Republic of Azerbaijan�s Prime Minister Artur Rasizade voiced his country�s enthusiasm for the rapid promotion of cooperation with Iran in a whole host of fields.

In a meeting with Iran's Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mahmoud Vaezi in Baku, the Azeri prime minister welcomed closer economic, trade and human rights cooperation with neighboring Iran.

Rasizade noted that Tehran and Baku have great potential for the enhancement of ties in agriculture, tourism industry, banking, pharmaceutical industry, and transportation, among others.

For his part, the visiting Iranian minister called for more reciprocal visits by the two countries� officials.

Vaezi also highlighted the significance of a project to construct a bridge over Astarachay, a border river between Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan.

He explained that construction of the railroad bridge, which lies in the way of the north-south corridor, will open up opportunities for an increase in the two countries� transit capacities, more incomes and new jobs.

The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) is a multipurpose route for the transit of goods between Iran, Russia, Europe, India and Central Asia via shipping lines, railroad and land routes.

Iran and Azerbaijan have accelerated efforts in recent years to forge closer partnership in various fields, from fighting against terrorism to the exchange of electricity and gas deals.

Earlier this year, Azeri President Ilham Aliyev paid an official visit to Iran, during which the two Muslim neighbors signed eleven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements to promote mutual cooperation in various fields.

By Tasnim News Agency