Tasnim � Iran�s president congratulated his Uzbek counterpart on the 25th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, describing the �deep and unbreakable bonds� as an asset to the bilateral relations between Tehran and Tashkent.

In a message to Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Wednesday, President Hassan Rouhani hailed the �effective steps� that the two countries have taken over the past years to promote cooperation in the political, economic and cultural fields.

He also expressed confidence that enhancement of bilateral relations would serve the two countries� mutual interests and contribute to regional peace and stability.

Uzbekistan declared independence as a sovereign republic on August 31, 1991 in the wake of dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Iran and Uzbekistan launched formal diplomatic relations in May 1992.