The Uzbek foreign minister, Abdulaziz Komilov, has arrived in Tehran for talks on regional peace and stability.

Mr Komilov said he would discuss the situation in Afghanistan and Tajikistan with his Iranian counterpart, Kamal Kharazzi.

Welcoming Mr Komilov at the airport, Mr Kharazzi said Iran and Uzbekistan had close ties but it did not mean that the two countries had identical views on issues.

He said the two sides could forge greater understanding.

Mr Komilov is also expected to meet President Mohammed Khatami.