Tehran, YJC. Chief of border police says that Iran is highly successful in fighting smugglers.
Brigadier
General Hossein Zolfaqari, commander of the Iranian border guards, in meeting
with Allahshukur Pashazadeh, Sheikh ul-Islam and Grand Mufti of the Caucasus,
in Baku provided comments on measures taken by Iran in fighting smugglers and said
"The Islamic Republic of Iran is a strong barrier against the trafficking of
illegal drugs to Caucasus, especially the Republic of Azerbaijan.”
Expressing happiness for
secure common borders, Zolfaqari stressed Iranian official’s favorable regards
of Azerbaijan and their attempts to strengthen mutual ties.
Allahshukur
Pashazadeh in turn stated that the two countries hold relations based on friendship
and brotherhood, stemming from deep cultural and religious bonds.
He said
"The people of the Republic of Azerbaijan will never forget the support of the Islamic
Republic of Iran in tough old days.”
Pointing to measures taken to proliferate Islam and Shiism in Azerbaijan,
he said "After the independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan, productive
efforts were made to propagate religious education in the country.”
He also
expressed gratitude for Iran’s fight against drug dealing and hoped that his
country will continue to enjoy the support of the Islamic Republic.
Pashazadeh
also pointed to the late president of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev as stressing the
need for his country to always maintain friendly relations with Iran at the highest
of levels.