Iranian envoy meets Azerbaijan's Interior Minister

At the meeting, Usubov expressed satisfaction with the growing trend of relations between the two neighboring countries in various fields and appreciated Iran for its stance on Karabakh issue.

Turning to the efforts of enemies opposing development of ties between Iran and Azerbaijan, the minister said that his government will never allow its territory to be used against the neighboring states.

"We will not let our territory be resided by criminals and those aiming to undermine the friendly relations and confidence between the two countries," he added.

Meanwhile, he said that Azerbaijan's Ministry of Internal Affairs attempts to provide the security for Iranian citizens and investors residing in this country.

On his part, Hamidi-Zare said that since the independence of Azerbaijan, the Iranian government and nation have always stood by it and have never spared any assistance towards its stability, given the historical, religious and cultural commonalties between the two sides.

The Iranian diplomat pointed to the West's instrumental use of the concepts of democracy and human rights, adding that while in Islamic states, such as Iran and Azerbaijan, religious minorities have the freedom to practice their religious rituals, the Western states do not even put up with the head scarves of Muslim women residing there.

"Under the guise of launching propaganda on separation of religion from politics in Islamic countries, they are actually willing to materialize their secret intentions to separate the public from governments," he added.

Besides, both sides reiterated the need to expand cooperation in the field of campaign against drug trafficking, terrorism, organized crimes and exchange of information in this regard. IRNA