Baku, Azerbaijan, April 8. Shahin Mustafayev,
Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan and co-chair of the State
Commission on Economic, Trade, and Humanitarian Cooperation between
Azerbaijan and Iran, met with Farzaneh Sadegh, Minister of Roads
and Urban Development of the Islamic Republic of Iran, during her
visit to Azerbaijan on April 8, Trend reports via the press service of the
Cabinet of Ministers.
The meeting highlighted the significance of the contacts between
the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Iran in shaping the bilateral
agenda and fostering intergovernmental relations across various
sectors. The constructive dialogue between the presidents has led
to intensive bilateral visits at different levels, a clear sign of
the dynamic development of relations between the two countries.
Discussing the importance of the visit by President of the
Islamic Republic of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, to Azerbaijan at the
invitation of President Ilham Aliyev, it was expressed that the
visit would open a new chapter in the development of bilateral
relations, historically rooted in friendship and good
neighborliness. It was also noted that Azerbaijan-Iran relations
are currently showing positive dynamics across various sectors,
with vast opportunities for further expansion, particularly in
trade, investment, transportation, oil and gas, energy,
agriculture, and humanitarian cooperation.
The expansion of trade and economic cooperation was welcomed,
with the mutual trade volume increasing by over thirty percent last
year. Efforts at the government level to maximize the existing
potential to further strengthen trade relations in line with the
directives of the presidents were emphasized. The development of
cooperation in investment was also highlighted, noting that
commercial entities with Iranian investment operating in Azerbaijan
span sectors such as industry, agriculture, transport,
construction, trade, and services.
The transport sector was recognized as one of the key areas of
bilateral cooperation. In 2024, the volume of bilateral cargo
transportation between Azerbaijan and Iran is expected to grow by
20 percent, and transit transportation by more than 23 percent.
Agreements reached at the presidential level in the transport
sector are seen as a roadmap for both governments, with
satisfaction expressed over the implementation of several mutually
beneficial projects and continued effective cooperation on other
significant projects. These initiatives aim to expand transport
connections between the two countries and enhance the region’s
transport and logistics capabilities. Among the notable projects is
the development of the North-South transport corridor, including
the ongoing construction of the Astara cargo terminal and the new
automobile-pedestrian bridge over the Astara River. The importance
of developing the East-West corridor was also underscored,
including the creation of the Agband-Kalala road and railway
connection, which will provide the shortest route to Nakhchivan via
Iranian territory, as well as the construction of Siyahrud-Ordubad
road bridges and the development of the necessary border and
customs infrastructure.
Furthermore, both sides expressed confidence that the future
commissioning of the Agband-Jabrayil-Aghdam-Yevlakh-Georgia road,
as well as the Agband-Lachin-Kalbajar-Ganja-Georgia route, would
open new opportunities for cargo and passenger transportation in
the region. It was emphasized that these routes would become some
of the most convenient paths connecting the Persian Gulf with the
Black Sea.
Energy cooperation was also discussed, with successful projects
underway. The significance of Azerbaijan-Iran cooperation in
hydroelectric projects, such as the Khudafarin and Maiden Tower
dams, and others on the Aras River, was highlighted. These projects
are crucial for both countries and contribute to the region’s
development. Joint efforts in the energy sector, such as the
existing connections of transmission lines with a total capacity of
eight hundred sixty megawatts at five points, play a vital role in
ensuring energy security and sustainable cooperation.
Additionally, the construction of a new transmission line
connecting the East Zangezur Economic Region with the Nakhchivan
Autonomous Republic through Iranian territory was seen as vital not
only for energy security but also for strengthening energy
cooperation between the two nations.
The importance of successful projects in the oil and gas sector
was acknowledged, with new opportunities for cooperation in this
area also emphasized.
During the visit, the co-chairs discussed the progress of
various bilateral projects and infrastructure developments. Both
sides agreed to continue joint efforts to fully realize the
existing potential for expanding Azerbaijan-Iran relations across
various sectors.
The meeting concluded with the exchange of original copies of
the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed in Azerbaijani and
Persian, following the 16th session of the State Commission on
Economic, Trade, and Humanitarian Cooperation between Azerbaijan
and Iran, which took place in Tehran in January 22, 2025.
15:30
An expanded-format meeting is underway between Shahin
Mustafayev, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan,
and Farzaneh Sadegh, Minister of Roads and Urban Development of the
Islamic Republic of Iran and Co-Chair of the Azerbaijan-Iran Joint
Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation,
Trend reports.
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