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Iranian President Hasan Rouhani has highlighted the closer ties with neighboring countries before leaving for Armenian capital Yerevan. 

"Having closer ties with neighboring countries is one of Iran's policies and is very important with regard to both economic and national security fields," official website of the Iranian president quoted Rouhani as saying at Mehrabad Airport in Tehran.

Referring to Iran's neighbors in Central Asia and the Caucasus, he added: "Visiting Armenia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan is taking place in response to official invitations and the three countries' presidents' visit to Tehran".

Stressing the importance of deepening and cementing ties with the three countries, he said: "The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to provide these countries with technical and engineering services and participate in projects in them," mentioning that currently, dozens of Iranian companies are operating in the three countries.

"We seek stronger economic ties with these countries with preferential tariffs and free trade," said the President, referring to the three countries' membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Iran's close ties with the union.

Armenia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are a part of Iran's corridor to the West, East and North, said President Rouhani adding: "We will gain access to Europe and the Black Sea through Armenia, and to the northern and eastern countries through Kazakhstan.

Stating that these visits will significantly contribute to discussions about issues such as unity, regional issues, terrorism and insecurity, he said: "Cementing ties between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the three countries in the United Nations and other international communities is beneficial to our country".

He went on referring to common cultural and civilization bonds between Iran and Armenia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, Rouhani added: "We hope to witness further developed cultural ties in this visit".