Common religion most important factor for Iran, Caucasus amity

Speaking at the International Conference 'on Religious Policy and Heydar Aliyev' in Baku, Taskhiri added that Caucasus nations have converted to Islam at the advent of the sublime religion, and they abide by the Islamic culture and values.

"Iranian and Azeri people have been freed from despotic and communist regimes, and based on Islamic teachings, have developed independent policies," he added.

He termed holding such religious conferences in Azerbaijan as revival of its religious and historical identity.

Pointing to the late Azeri President Heidar Aliyev's faith in Islam, Taskhiri said that Aliyev presence and delivering speech in the International Conference of Islamic and Caucasus Civilization, efforts to develop mosques in the country, and trip to Mashhad, Khorasan Razavi province in Iran, indicated his attention to the religion.

He also appreciated efforts made by head of Muslim clergy office to expand Islamic courses in the Caucasus, saying that the Islamic Republic is ready to expand cultural and religious exchanges with Azerbaijan.

The Iranian envoy, during the two-day conference, also held talks with some scholars of the republic.

The two-day conference has started by reading message of Azeri president Ilham Aliyev in the presence of envoys of 20 Islamic countries to study policy of the country on religious affairs and its cultural and religious exchanges with other Islamic nations. IRNA