Iranian Minister Emphasizes Strong Cooperation and Development with Baku
In a recent high-level meeting, significant advancements in Iran-Azerbaijan economic and transport cooperation were discussed, showcasing the commitment of both nations to strengthen their bilateral relations. Farzaneh Sadegh, Iran’s Minister of Roads and Urban Development, and Shahin Mustafayev, Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, emphasized the progress made over the past year, marking a pivotal moment in their collaborative efforts.
Sadegh, who plays a key role as the co-chair of the Joint Economic Commission, highlighted the following advancements:
- The expansion of transport and trade relations between Iran and Azerbaijan.
- Significant progress in banking facilitation following the Iranian president’s recent visit to Azerbaijan.
- The successful launch of direct flights connecting Tabriz and Baku.
During the meeting, Sadegh elaborated on the importance of the north-south and east-west transit corridors, stating that Iran has ambitious plans to achieve an annual cargo transit capacity of 15 million tons within the North-South corridor. A trilateral meeting involving Russia is scheduled for next month to discuss ongoing projects and agreements, which will further enhance regional cooperation.
To effectively address transport and customs challenges, a joint working group is set to be established within a month. The findings from this group are expected to be formalized during the upcoming trilateral meeting, ensuring a coordinated approach to overcoming logistical hurdles.
When discussing infrastructure projects, Sadegh noted that the construction of the Kalaleh-Aghband border bridge and terminal is advancing well and is anticipated to be operational before the Persian New Year. This project is expected to significantly enhance cross-border trade and logistics.
In addition to transport initiatives, several key areas of cooperation were identified, including:
- Joint Oil Block Development: Collaborative efforts to explore and develop oil resources.
- Gas Swap Agreements: Extension of agreements with Nakhchivan to facilitate gas exchanges.
- Transit of Russian Gas: Cooperation in the transit of Russian gas to Iran via Azerbaijan.
- Electricity Network Enhancement: Plans to improve electricity networks among Iran, Azerbaijan, and Russia.
Furthermore, Sadegh announced that a delegation from Azerbaijan would visit the Shahid Rajaee Port, which could lead to the signing of a cooperation memorandum aimed at boosting trade and logistics efficiency. She also emphasized the importance of finalizing the preferential trade agreement, which has the potential to increase bilateral trade from $650 million to $1 billion annually.
In conclusion, Sadegh expressed optimism about the future of Iran-Azerbaijan relations, stating that these concerted efforts will contribute to comprehensive growth and prosperity for both nations. The commitment to enhancing economic ties and addressing transport challenges signifies a robust partnership that is poised to flourish in the coming years.
This meeting marks a critical step in fostering deeper collaboration between Iran and Azerbaijan, ultimately benefiting the regional economy and enhancing connectivity. As both nations work towards achieving their goals, the prospects for increased trade and cooperation appear promising.
The developments discussed at this meeting highlight the importance of strategic partnerships in the region, paving the way for a brighter economic future.
