BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov met on Tuesday Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.

According to a presidential statement, Japarov and Zarif exchanged views on expanding cooperation in policy, trade, economy, culture, as well as investment between the two countries.

"Our doors are always open to Iranian small- and medium-sized businesses to invest in the economy of Kyrgyzstan," Japarov said. "We are currently making great efforts to create a favorable environment for foreign investors."

Touching on cultural and humanitarian cooperation, the president thanked Iran for sponsoring a sports complex in the city of Osh.

Zarif thanked Kyrgyzstan for its support to Iran in the international arena, saying Tehran is ready to cooperate with Bishkek.

He drew attention to the importance of holding the next meeting of the Joint Committee on Kyrgyz-Iranian Intergovernmental Commission on trade, economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation.

Underlining the common historical and cultural ties, he said bilateral cooperation in roads and transportation is a priority.

Saying that the security and stability in Kyrgyzstan are important for Iran, Zarif wished success to the Central Asian country, where a constitutional referendum and elections are scheduled for April 11.

*Writing by Seda Sevencan in Istanbul