TEHRAN -- Visiting Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Euro-American Affairs Ali Ahani conferred in Vienna on Monday with President of the Austrian National Council Heinz Fischer on issues of mutual interests, it was announced on Tuesday.

At the meeting, Fischer voiced satisfaction with the upcoming visit of the Iranian President Mohammad Khatami to Vienna and underlined that bilateral cooperation would further broaden following President Khatami's visit to Vienna, IRNA reported.

Iran-Austria parliamentary friendship group recently formed has been welcomed by various political wings in Austria as a means to further foster parliamentary ties between the two countries, he said.

The current parliamentary cooperation will play a key role in deepening and expanding political and economic relations between the two sides, Ahani said adding that the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready for strengthen such cooperation.

Referring to the September 11 incidents in the United States, Ahani said the bitter events opened a new chapter on international scene putting a heavy burden on all countries in their campaign against terrorism.

All countries should avoid any measures which may lead to weakening of the international community, he said.

Referring to the critical situation in the Middle East as a result of the Zionist regime's continued repressive measures against the Palestinian nation, Ahani said the silence of world countries on Israel's violent behavior towards the palestinian people has worsened the situation in the Middle East.