MNA� Iranian President Hassan Rouhani met with Uzbek President Mirziyoyev in Astana of Kazakhstan saying that no barrier can obstruct the expansion of bilateral ties.

�There is no barrier obstructing the path of developing relations between Iran and Uzbekistan,� said President Hassan Rouhani of the Islamic Republic of Iran on Sunday during his meeting with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan.

The two top heads of states met with each other on the sidelines of the OIC Summit of Science and Technology underway in Kazakh capital city of Astana. Mr. Rouhani asserted that the meetings between the two high officials of the two countries demonstrate the resolute will of the two governments to establish closer ties.

�We welcome the participation of Uzbek entrepreneurs and investors in Iran and the same way the participation of Iranian investors in Uzbekistan,� underlined the Iranian president referring to the huge potentials of cooperation between Iran and Uzbekistan.

�The Islamic Republic of Iran can provide the shortest path of access to the Persian Gulf and high seas for Uzbek traders,� highlighted Mr. Rouhani referring to Iran�s comprehensive program of rail, road, and water transit.

The Uzbek president, in this meeting, for his part, described his meeting with President Rouhani as a historic event and a turning point in the history of bilateral relations and reiterated that Tashkent is ready to develop its ties with Tehran in all areas of interst.