President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov reaffirmed Turkmenistan's determination to expand bilateral cooperation with Iran. The Turkmen leader said this when receiving the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mohammad Javad Zarif, who is on a working visit to Ashgabat, the Iranian Mehr news agency reported.

During the meeting, which was held in a businesslike, constructive manner, the head of state and his guest discussed key aspects of the Turkmen-Iranian interaction in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres.

It was emphasized that, with their colossal resource and economic potential, both neighboring states intend to continue to build up their traditional partnership, built on the principles of equality and mutual benefit across the entire spectrum of areas.

Mohammad Javad Zarif noted that Iran fully supports the peaceful foreign policy pursued by neutral Turkmenistan, which serves as a key factor in geopolitical balance, peace and stability throughout Central Asia.

According to the State News Agency of Turkmenistan, the diplomat confirmed the interest of the Iranian side in participating in important international projects, the implementation of which will serve to intensify trade and economic relations in the regional and global dimensions.

In this regard, the need to intensify the activities of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, as well as holding bilateral meetings at various levels on a regular basis, was especially emphasized.

Turkmenistan became the final destination of the Iranian Foreign Minister's tour of Central Asia, during which he also visited Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.