TEHRAN (Mehr News Agency) – Iran is determined to develop ties with Arab and Islamic states and a proposal by Iran to take an observer status in the Arab League is line with this purpose, foreign ministry announced on Sunday.

“Iran seriously believes in developing cordial ties with the Arab and Islamic states,” foreign ministry spokesman Hamidreza Asefi told reporters.

At the request of some friendly Arab states, Asefi said, Iran has asked to be given an observer status in the Arab League because they believe the presence of Iran in the league will help produce more grounds for cooperation and congruity between Iran and the Arab states.

The Arab League Secretary General Amr Mussa has personally welcomed Iran’s proposal to join the league as an observer.

Turkey has also demanded observer status in the Arab League.