Iran's president has assessed his Eritrean counterpart's visit to Iran as a step toward bolstering cooperation with the African state.

Speaking to reporters following his private meeting with Isaias Afwerki in Tehran, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad noted that various issues of mutual interest, including joint investment in agriculture, industry and energy, and regional and international cooperation were among the topics discussed between the two presidents.

Ahmadinejad stated that Iran saw no limits to the expansion of cooperation and relations with Eritrea.

The Iranian president stressed that Iran and Eritrea share common views on regional and global issues and have similar stances towards the hegemonic powers.

Referring to his first-ever visit to Iran, the Eritrean president highlighted Iran-Eritrea relations, saying both states share common views.

Discussions over economic, regional and international cooperation can contribute to peace and stability in the region, Afwerki added.

The Eritrean president also thanked President Ahmadinejad for preparing the ground for his visit to Tehran and hailed the Iranian nation's support for Eritrean people.

AO/GM/BGH