Azerbaijan, Baku, July 1 / Trend T.Jafarov /
Iranian Parliamentary Speaker Ali Larijani said that Iran-Azerbaijani relations are genuine, unlike the relationships between many countries. The two countries' relations are based on very deep and spiritual roots, Larijani said speaking in the Iranian Mosque Ahli-Bayt in Baku.
Larijani said that both countries are Muslim and Shiite.
"The Azerbaijani people have always been at the heart of the Iranian people. The Iranian people sincerely respect the Azerbaijani people. Iran is the first country which officially recognized Azerbaijan's independence", he said.
He said former Iranian leader Ayatollah Khomeini and current leader Ayatollah Khamenei, have always had great respect for the Azerbaijani people.
"Today, relations between the two countries are developing sincerely and fraternally," Larijani said.
Larijani kicked off his visit to Azerbaijan today.
Larijani is visiting Azerbaijan on invitation from the Azerbaijani Parliamentary Speaker Ogtay Asadov. The purpose of th
e visit is to enhance Iranian-Azerbaijani inter-parliamentary cooperation.
Larijani is scheduled to meet with Ogtay Asadov, Prime Minister Artur Rasizade, and the country's other officials in Baku.
Larijani's visit includes a tour of Ganja city and several historical monuments, including Shah Abbas Mosque and Nizami Ganjavi Mausoleum.
Larijani's visit to Azerbaijan was initially scheduled for February however, it was postponed due to his busy work schedule.