Iran and Azerbaijan Aim to Strengthen Bilateral Relations

Tehran, The Gulf Observer: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed Iran’s commitment to enhancing relations with Azerbaijan during a meeting with Shahin Mustafayev, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan, in Tehran on Monday.

President Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran supports any initiative aimed at strengthening ties with its neighbor, noting that the sovereignty of each country must be respected. He warned that the presence of extra-regional countries could undermine the interests of regional nations. “There is no need to build walls at the borders to establish security,” he stated, advocating for increased market openness among Islamic countries to facilitate business collaboration.

The Iranian leader reaffirmed Iran’s willingness to participate in the development of railway and road infrastructure between the two nations. He also expressed readiness for cooperation in the fields of energy and agriculture, highlighting the potential for mutual benefits.

In response, Deputy Prime Minister Mustafayev conveyed Azerbaijan’s eagerness to enhance bilateral relations across various sectors, including economic, commercial, energy, cultural, transit, and security. He underscored the importance of completing and expanding railway and road transportation lines to facilitate greater connectivity.

Mustafayev reiterated Azerbaijan’s position on territorial integrity, stating that the country holds no territorial claims against others and will not accept claims against itself. He advocated for resolving regional issues through dialogue and cooperation.

Additionally, Mustafayev extended an invitation to President Pezeshkian to participate in the upcoming international climate change conference, known as COP 29, scheduled to take place in Azerbaijan in November. This invitation reflects the desire for continued collaboration between the two nations on pressing global issues.