TEHRAN - The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes scientific cooperation with regional countries, says the Iranian minister of science.

Mohammad Farhadi made the remarks in a meeting with a United Nation Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) official, ISNA reported on Monday.

He expressed hope that under the new directorship of the UNESCO Tehran cluster, Iran would be able to enjoy more vigorous ties with the international body.

Esther Kuisch Laroche, director and representative of UNESCO Tehran Cluster Office, for her part thanked Iran's activities in scientific, cultural, and arts fields and hoped that due to the proximity of UNESCO’s regional clusters in Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan, the sides will be able to engage in more active cooperation.

SP/P