KHARTOUM -- Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi conferred with Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) Abdulvahed Abdul Wahed Belqeziz here on Wednesday.

During the meeting held on the sidelines of the foreign ministerial session of the OIC, the two sides discussed the performance and activities of the OIC secretariat and the 29th periodical meeting of OIC foreign ministers.

Belqeziz pointed to the idea of "dialogue among civilizations", initiated by Iranian President Mohammad Khatami and said that the idea has improved the image of the Muslim world and will play an important role in preserving peace and tranquility throughout the world.

Kharrazi arrived in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum Tuesday to take part in the 29th periodical meeting of foreign ministers of the Organization of the Islamic Conference.

Meanwhile, Kharrazi on Wednesday noted the Muslim world is now facing sophisticated problems.

At a meeting here with Sudanese President Omar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir on the sidelines of the meeting of the OIC foreign ministers, Kharrazi emphasized the necessity of the Muslim world's unity.

He expressed hope that during Sudan's one-year presidency of the OIC, the organization will become more active in international arenas.

He referred to the growing trend in Tehran-Khartoum relations noting the two countries have recently shown interest in promoting their bilateral trade and economic ties.

Pointing to cooperation between Iran, Sudan and Ethiopia, he hoped that such cooperation would lead to further promotion of economic ties in the region.

Al-Bashir referring to the longstanding friendly ties between the Sudanese and Iranian nations said Sudan desires to develop mutual relations as much as possible.

Pointing to the fact that Khartoum welcomes Iranian participation in the country's economic projects, the Sudanese president noted that new programs are underway to promote bilateral ties.

He said that suitable grounds should be prepared to increase cooperation between Iranian and Sudanese traders and businessmen, noting that deepening of economic ties would enhance mutual cooperation in other fields. Elsewhere in his remarks, the Sudan's president described the current situation in the Middle East as critical and sophisticated, noting, "We should try to identify different problems facing the region and find solutions to those problems."

Al-Bashir expressed hope the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people will be restored to them as soon as possible.

He referred to the issue of "dialogue among civilizations", which was first proposed by Iranian President Mohammad Khatami, as the only way to end war and conflict in the world.

He called on the Muslim world to play an effective role in safeguarding peace and stability in regional and international arenas.

He reiterated that exchange of visits between the two countries' high-ranking officials plays a key role in deepening mutual relations, IRNA reported.