Yemeni, Iranian presidents for developing relations

Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh has expressed his satisfaction over his visit to Iran. He said that he has exchanged with the Iranian officials viewpoints over developments and key issues in the region and means of strengthening relations between the two countries.

In a pre-departure statement before leaving Tehran on Wednesday, the Yemeni president added that other issues were debated, including the situation in Iraq and the misunderstanding between Iran and the United Arab Emirates, expressing hope that these issues will be settled amicably.

For his part Iranian President Muhammad Khatami said in a statement upon seeing off the Yemeni president that there are numerous common ties linking Tehran and Sanaa. He stressed the determination of the two countries to further consolidate relations.

The Iranian president stressed that friendly dialogue is the only way to settle the misunderstanding existed between Iran and the UAE. He stressed Iran's readiness to maintain the dialogue with the UAE in this regard. He added that settling certain disputes is linked to logic, understanding, good intention and honoring the law and justice.

He said that relations between Iran and the countries of the Gulf region have witnessed notable growth, especially with Saudi Arabia, Oman and Yemen.

On Iran's position regarding the security project in the region, President Khatami said that Iran has repeatedly announced its readiness to sign security agreements in the region, either bilateral or regional, and that these agreements are to be based on non-interference in internal affairs, mutual respect and taking into account all interests of the countries of the region.

He called on the countries of the region to contribute to taking part in the establishment of security and to set up the foundation for stability in the region.