BBC Monitoring

Azeri, Iranian leaders discuss developing ties at Caspian summit

Text of report by Azerbaijani news agency Trend

Baku, 16 October: "The interests and security of Azerbaijan and Iran are interrelated," Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinezhad said at a meeting with his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev in Tehran on Tuesday [16 October].

The Iranian leader said that thanks to top officials from both countries, relations between Tehran and Baku are only increasing.

"We have always maintained fraternal and friendly links with Baku. The development and security of Azerbaijan meets our interests while Iran's development serves Azerbaijan's interests," Ahmadinezhad said.

Ilham Aliyev said that Azerbaijan and Iran have always supported each other. He said that some forces have tried to damage relations between the two countries, but despite their efforts, relations between the two countries are only getting stronger and expanding.

"I want Iran to continue supporting Azerbaijan in all spheres," President Aliyev said.

Ilham Aliyev also! stressed that Azerbaijan might strengthen energy links between Russia and Iran.

Source: Trend news agency, Baku, in Russian 1030 gmt 16 Oct 07