Baku, Azerbaijan, May 2. Iran’s East Azerbaijan
Province is brimming with potential, owing to its extensive
frontier with Azerbaijan, numerous opportunities in various
sectors, and the Araz Corridor, the province’s governor, Bahram
Sarmast, told Trend.
“We are closely monitoring the activation and operation of the
corridor. In this context, the launch of the Kalaleh-Aghband
terminal, followed by the upcoming opening of the Julfa terminal,
are important projects,” he said.
The official pointed out that the historic visit of Iranian
President Masoud Pezeshkian to Azerbaijan is a big deal in more
ways than one.
“Within the framework of this visit, a large delegation in the
field of trade also arrived in Azerbaijan. At the same time, the
visit of the governors of the four provinces bordering Azerbaijan
(East Azerbaijan, West Azerbaijan, Ardabil, and Gilan) to
Azerbaijan was of great importance,” Sarmast explained.
He claims that Azerbaijan and Iran share common cultural and
historical roots.
“The two countries have irreplaceable common economic interests.
A number of important documents were signed during the visit with
the participation of the presidents of the two countries. These
documents envisage further development of relations with the border
provinces within the framework of cooperation between the two
countries.
East Azerbaijan Province, with Tabriz as its center, has
numerous invaluable ties with Azerbaijan. The potential of East
Azerbaijan in various sectors can elevate the relations between the
two countries to a higher level. This can also contribute to the
improvement of the welfare of the population in the border regions.
The development of tourism and joint investments in East Azerbaijan
are among the issues that can be focused on.
Both Iranian investors operating in Azerbaijan and Azerbaijani
investors can contribute to the development of economic and trade
relations between the two countries, particularly in the border
provinces.
In addition to economic relations, cultural ties between the two
countries can also develop. The organization of events involving
literary and artistic figures from both sides could boost the
development of these relations. Among the neighboring countries,
Azerbaijan is one of Iran’s most prominent partners. In this
regard, the President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, has granted
various authorities to the provincial governors in Iran.
The border provinces of Iran with Azerbaijan should keep the
agreements reached under the framework of the Iran-Azerbaijan
Economic Cooperation Intergovernmental Joint Commission at the
provincial level as a point of focus.
During meetings held in Baku, agreements on various sectors,
including economic and trade areas, were discussed, and an
agreement was reached on their implementation. In the future,
mutual visits and agreements aimed at further developing trade and
economic relations will remain a priority so that practical and
tangible results can be achieved,” he mentioned.
The official further said that operation of the Aras Free Trade
Zone in East Azerbaijan Province can create many opportunities.
“For example, border markets between the two countries can start
functioning, and joint projects can be carried out in the free
trade zones.
Given the significant potential of East Azerbaijan Province in
the industrial sector, efforts could be made towards joint ventures
in industrial parks. In this direction, investors from both
countries can be more active.
The procedural rules for university cooperation and student
exchange with the East Azerbaijan province can be simplified. The
possibility of reinstating flights between Iranian Tabriz and
Azerbaijan’s Baku, and vice versa, is kept in the focus of
attention. This would provide an easier travel option for both
citizens and businesspeople from both nations, enabling them to
visit Tabriz and Baku with greater ease.
“President Pezeshkian quotes the famous poet Muhammad Huseyn
Shahriyar at many events, even in Baku. Considering that this poet
is becoming more and more famous in the region, it is planned to
hold the International Shahriyar Congress in Tabriz. Poets,
cultural figures, and officials from Azerbaijan are also planned to
participate in that event,” he pointed out.
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