SARAJEVO -- Bosnian Foreign Minister Mladen Ivanic here announced his country's readiness to boost ties with the Islamic Republic in all fields and hoped to visit Tehran soon.

In a meeting with Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Ahani, the two sides also said that they were worried about the ongoing situation in Iraq and that the UN role in resolving the crisis must be strengthened.

Ahani welcomed expansion of bilateral ties, especially economic cooperation, as well as coordination between the two countries in the international scene, IRNA reported.

He also called to redress UN credibility which, he said, had been undermined with the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq and stressed the United Nations' role in establishing a broad-based government confirmed by all citizens in Iraq.

Ahani described health and living situation of the Iraqi people as "worrisome" and urged the international community to rush their humanitarian aid to the Iraqis.

The official outlined Tehran's views on the Middle East crisis, saying, "The crisis will escalate as long as the Zionist regime's crimes against the Palestinian nation continue".

"Resolving the Middle East crisis requires serious attention to its roots, especially the issue of Palestinian refugees and restoration of their rights," Ahani said.

The Iranian deputy foreign minister arrived here Monday on a two-day visit to discuss ways of boosting bilateral relations between the two Muslim countries.

Ahani is scheduled to meet with several Bosnian officials, including member of the country's tripartite presidency, Sulejman Tihic.

This is the second visit of high-ranking Iranian officials to Bosnia this year. The Head of Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Commission Mohsen Mirdamadi visited that country in February on a visit which also took him to Croatia.