Iran says seeks close ties with Persian Gulf Arab states

TEHRAN,Apr.17(MNA) – Iran seeks to strengthen ties with Persian Gulf Arab states, Deputy Interior Minister for Security Affairs Ali Abdollahi said during a meeting with Qatari Prime Minister Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani in Doha on Tuesday. “The government of prudence and hope” attaches great importance to promotion of relations with neighboring countries, Abdollahi said. Pointing to the good relations between the two countries in security areas, he said Tehran considers the security, development, and progress of neighboring countries as its own. Sheikh Abdullah, for his part, highlighted the expansion of ties with Iran, saying religious and historical affinities lay the foundation for expansion of relations. Abdollahi and his accompanying delegation arrived in Doha on Monday to attend the first meeting of Iran-Qatar security cooperation committee.