Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov spoke by phone with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.

The ministers agreed that the current rhetoric between the two countries, which does not correspond with the level of friendship Azerbaijan and Iran have, is harmful and disagreements should be resolved through dialogue, the ministry said in a statement.

The statement noted that Bayramov and Amir-Abdollahian highlighted the importance of mutual respect for their countries’ territorial integrity and sovereignty.

According to the statement, the ministers also decided that transit transportation via Azerbaijan will be discussed by the two countries’ concerned institutions.

Tensions between Azerbaijan and Iran have escalated after Tehran recently moved troops close to the Azerbaijani border and conducted nonstop military maneuvers in reaction to a joint military drill by Azerbaijan, Turkey and Pakistan.