"Iran is a country with a huge potential, and Uzbekistan is interested in developing cooperation with it," Karimov said during the meeting.
According to the staff of the Uzbek leader, the sides discussed the state and prospects of Uzbek-Iranian relations, regional security, transport communications and also restoration of Afghanistan.
On Wednesday, the Iranian minister and his Uzbek counterpart Sadyk Safayev signed memorandums on mutual understanding in cooperation between the Uzbek and Iranian foreign ministries.
Last June when Islam Karimov visited Iran, the two leaders signed an agreement on international transport routes. The agreement provides easier access to the Persian Gulf for Uzbekistan, and to Central Asia and the CIS for Iran.
The agreement became an important factor for the economic infrastructure of Afghanistan. Many donor countries, the Islamic Bank of Development and the Asian Bank of Development have shown interest in this large-scale project initiated by Islam Karimov and named the Trans-Afghan corridor.
Uzbekistan and Iran are actively developing their trade and economic ties. In 2003, trade turnover exceeded $300 million. Over 50 joint ventures are operating in Uzbekistan.
An average of 500,000 tons of cargoes from Uzbekistan are transported via Iran every year. Iranian cargoes delivered via Uzbekistan amount to about 750,000 tons annually.
