KABUL - President Ashraf Ghani and his Azerbaijan counterpart Ilham Aliyev met on Tuesday and discussed the development of bilateral relations between the two countries, Ghani's office said in a statement.

Leading a high level delegation to the country, Ghani arrived in Baku, the capital, early Tuesday.

Aliyev welcomed Ghani and the Afghan delegation and said that the fact they had made the trip was testimony to improved relations between the two countries, the statement read.

"Afghanistan is an important partner for us and we thank you for your support from our country in the international organizations especially in the United Nations' Security Council," Aliyev said, according to the statement.

He also said that Azerbaijan hopes to improve cooperation with Afghanistan in infrastructure, telecommunications and railway sectors and added that "we want to finalize the new Silk Road which will link Asia with Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkey to Europe."

Ghani also thanked Azerbaijan for its role in the NATO's Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan and the extension of their troops presence in the country. He said Afghanistan welcomes their cooperation in fighting terrorism.

Ghani said that Afghanistan hopes a joint team can review investment opportunities in Afghanistan and also asked for assistance to help share their experience in mining, trade, energy, water and other sectors.

The Azerbaijan president assured Ghani that his country will try to attract more Afghan university students and also cooperate in various sectors including civilian, police, security, natural disaster, diplomacy and energy.

He also said that his country is ready to cooperate with Afghanistan in agriculture, natural resources and private sectors.

In addition, the Afghan Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani reportedly signed agreements on employment opportunities and social protection with Salim Muslumov, Minister of Labor and Social Protection. (Tolonews)