Minister of Defense Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi said on Sunday that certain hands are at work to mar Tehran-Baku ties, IRNA reported.
Addressing a meeting in this northwestern provincial city, the minister said "Overt and covert hands are at work to disturb Iran's bilateral ties with its neighbors, including Azerbaijan."
"However, Tehran would never let that happen due to its strong and amicable ties with its neighboring states."
"Establishing friendly ties and cooperation with neighboring countries is among major principles of Tehran's foreign policy," stressed the minister.
Vahidi arrived in West Azarbaijan Province earlier Sunday morning along with President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad who is in the province on his 125th provincial tour.