IRNA � Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Novruz Mammadov in a meeting with visiting Chief of Staff of Armed Forces of Iran Major General Mohammad Baqeri on Thursday underlined expansion of military and defensive relations with Iran.

He expressed satisfaction over military and defensive cooperation between the two countries, and said 'our country supports every action which would lead to consolidation of defense relations between the two countries'.

General Baqeri said current level of ties between the two countries does not match with the existing capacities, so the two sides should develop their efforts to expand ties.

The major general arrived in Baku on Wednesday morning at the invitation of Azerbaijan's Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov to pay a 2-day visit to the neighboring country.

The Iranian military delegation has met with President Ilham Aliyev, Parliament Speaker Ogtay Asadov and Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov during its 2-day stay in Baku and the outlook of military development between the two states were considered.