ASHKHABAD (MNA) -- Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad held a talks with his Turkmen counterpart Saparmurat Niyazov here on Monday in a visit aimed at boosting bilateral ties.

Ahmadinejad, who is heading a high-ranking political and economic delegation, said that Iran sees no limitation in its efforts to expand relations with Turkmenistan.

“We see no distance between the Iranian and Turkmen nations and believe that they will remain friends forever,” he added, noting that Iran regards the neighboring country’s development as its own.

He expressed optimism that his visit would help boost bilateral cooperation in all areas.

Niyazov said that the two countries’ officials are tirelessly struggling to reach their common goals.

“There is no problem or misunderstanding between Iran and Turkmenistan, and this is a good opportunity to strengthen mutual ties,” he added. Pointing to the volume of trade exchanges between the two countries, which is valued at $1.2 billion, Niyazov said, “This shows that Tehran and Ashkhabad are interested in boosting cooperation.”

Later in the day, Ahmadinejad delivered a speech at the Turkmen parliament wich was also attended by university professors and intellectuals.

He said that Iran and Turkmenistan enjoy many historical and cultural affinities, and called on the parliaments of the two countries to help their governments strengthen bilateral ties by passing the necessary laws.

The high volume of trade exchanges, cooperation in the fields of transportation, energy, oil, gas, and telecommunications, and cultural and scientific collaboration can be used as a foundation to further deepen relations between the two countries, he noted.