IRNA � Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi described Iran�s attitude toward Tajikistan as relational, saying that Tehran�s policy following the country�s independence was standing with Dushanbe government.

Asked about Tajik foreign minister�s statements and bilateral ties, he said that Iran-Tajikistan ties are deep and based on ancient origins, as one cannot ignore the ancient bonds.

�I agree with the remarks of the country�s foreign minister on Iran�s National Day and I think the history, geography, past and future as well as all the commonalities stress the need for further cooperation and solidarity between the two countries,� he said.

Iran�s policy towards the neighbors is clear, as it is based on further deepening cooperation in all fields and good neighborliness of the two nations, he said.

�We favor a Tajikistan enjoying security, stability and development, as Iran�s policy following the country�s independence has always been accompanying and standing next to Tajikistan government,� he said.

Iran has never supported any group acting against legal pillars of Tajikistan and has always favored good and brotherly relations with the country�s government, Qasemi said.

Independence, territorial integrity and national sovereignty as well as friendly relations between the two countries have always been a priority for the Islamic Republic of Iran, he said.