Photo: Iranian FM Manouchehr Mottaki, center, is welcomed at the airport in Tripoli by Secretary Moussa Koussa, Thursday 14 Jan. 2010.

Tripoli - Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki arrived in Tripoli Thursday at the start of a three-day visit to Libya. Mottaki was accompanied by a large political and economic delegation.

Immediately upon his arrival in Tripoli, Mottaki held talks with Mr. Moussa Koussa, Secretary of Foreign Liaison in Libya where they reviewed bilateral relations and the means of strengthening them as to serve common interests, Jana reported.

Both officials exchanged ideas on how to coordinate efforts on issues of common concern especially as the two states are members of the various Islamic and world organizations.

Mottaki said that Libya plays a significant role both in Africa and in the Arab world.

Mottaki is in Libya to discuss a range of issues with Libyan officials, including regional developments, the unity of Muslim nations and bilateral economic cooperation.

"Iran and Libya's position in the Middle East and North Africa, [as well as the] unity and cooperation of Islamic countries will be discussed during the visit," said Mottaki.

He added that the two oil-rich counties could work together on oil and gas projects.

The two parties discussed political cooperation between the General People's Congress and the Iranian Parliament.

Cooperation in the field of railroads and other economic activities was also discussed.