TEHRAN The Islamic Republic of Iran and the United Arab Emirates on Sunday emphasized the need for cooperation among all Islamic states to strengthen peace and stability in the Persian Gulf region and pledged to upgrade Tehran-Abu Dha In a meeting in Abu Dhabi, the visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi and the UAE President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahayan, conferred on different issues including the problems besetting the world of Islam, Persian Gulf region and future re Touching on cultural and historical commonalties between the two countries, the UAE president underlined that holding talks on issues relating the world of Islam by the Iranian and UAE officials pave the way for the two countries to strengthen bilateral He noted that Islam is the basis of solidarity among Muslims, and said that Muslims across the globe, can overcome their problems through relying on Islamic unity.

The Iranian foreign minister for his part said that the Islamic Republic of Iran gives top priority to broadening ties with Islamic countries, particularly those situated in the region. Kharrazi expressed satisfaction over growing relations among all regional states. He lauded the coordination which was witnessed among the Islamic countries during the 8th Summit of the Organization of Islamic Conference in Tehran, saying that President Seyed Mohammad Khatami attaches great importance to relations with Iran's neighbor