BAKU (IRNA) -- President Mahmud Ahmadinejad said Tuesday that the Islamic Republic of Iran considers no limit for expansion of relations with Azerbaijan, with which it shares a common culture, history and civilization and has had close and cordial ties.

Speaking in a meeting with his Azeri counterpart Ilham Aliyev, Ahmadinejad said Azerbaijan's progress means that of Iran and ""We are pleased with and defend the independence and strength of Azerbaijan.""
Ahmadinejad said Iran welcomes expansion of the two-way ties and cooperation with Azerbaijan at the regional and international levels.
He said there are vast latent grounds for mutual cooperation, which are needed to be activated in favor of both Iranian and Azeri nations.
Aliyev said for his part, ""We attach high significance to the (Ahmadinejad's) visit because it would lead to considerable progress in the two-way ties and make them closer.""
He said Iran and Azerbaijan share common stances on many points.
He added that the talks underway between the two sides and the documents due to be signed in the process would help bolster mutual ties.
Ahmadinejad is to attend a banquet given in his honor by his Azeri counterpart.
During his stay in Azerbaijan, Ahmadinejad is to hold joint and private meetings with the Azeri officials and attend a banquet given in his honor by Aliyev.
He is also to pay homage to late Azeri president Heidar Aliyev by visiting his tomb and meet with Azeri prime minister and head of the Caucasus Muslims' Clergymen Office Allah Shakour Pashazadeh.
A joint statement will be issued at the end of the visit and the two countries' presidents will hold a joint press conference.
Conclusion of several agreements and meeting with Iranians are among other programs of Ahmadinejad during his two-day visit