President: Iran proud of commonalities with Azerbaijan
Tehran, Baku sign seven cooperation documents Pezeshkian says both neighbors can secure regional peace, stability
“We are proud of commonalities” between Iran and Azerbaijan, President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Monday, stressing that based on these bonds Tehran is resolute in further strengthening of relations with Baku.
Referring to the two countries’ cultural, religious, ideological, intellectual, and political commonalities, Pezeshkian said, “We take pride in these values, and based on these deep bonds, we are determined to further strengthen our relations. In many areas, we can share our experiences, benefit from each other’s markets, and expand regional relations.”
He made the remarks in a joint press conference with his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev in Baku, where the two countries also signed seven cooperation documents.
The Iranian president pointed to an “important” decision to draw up a comprehensive strategic program between the two countries, saying that it will “provide a framework for expanding industrial, scientific, cultural, economic, political, and security cooperation between Iran and Azerbaijan.”
Pezeshkian also said that the two neighboring countries can establish peace, stability, and security in the region through cooperation and respect for their territorial integrity.
Economic cooperation
He also highlighted the need to expand economic cooperation, saying that the two countries can link up their transportation and financial networks, boost trade, activate East-West and North-South corridors more effectively, and create shared opportunities for investment and production.
He also described the familial and historical ties between the two nations as an obstacle to any attempt to sow division between the two nations.
Aliyev said Pezeshkian’s visit “is a reflection of the high level of relations between the two countries.”
“Our peoples have lived for centuries in an atmosphere of friendship and brotherhood. Today, our interstate relations are developing on this solid foundation,” he added.
During his one-day visit to Baku, the two countries signed seven memoranda of understanding in political consultations, transportation, cultural exchanges, healthcare sector, media activities and investment.
Aras Corridor
Earlier on Sunday, the Iranian president in an interview with an Azerbaijani TV network said a project to establish a land link between Azerbaijan’s mainland and its exclave of Nakhchivan via Iran is progressing rapidly.
In October 2023, Tehran and Baku agreed to establish the transit route called the Aras Corridor, which allows Azerbaijan to access Nakhchivan through Iranian territory.
Bypassing Armenia, the Aras Corridor presents an alternative to the Zangezur Corridor with the potential of reducing Iran’s concerns for its common border with Armenia.
Baku had been seeking to establish unimpeded access to Nakhchivan by opening the Zangezur Corridor through Armenia.
The idea has been strongly rejected by Iran.