Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 10
By Temkin Jafarov - Trend:
Plans have been revealed to build a bridge at the Aslanduz-Horadiz Checkpoint between Azerbaijan and Iran to expand the two countries' trade relations and improve customs procedures, Arsalan Fathipour, chairman of the economic commission of Iran's parliament, told Iranian IRIB agency Nov. 10.
"We are interested in further development of relations with Azerbaijan, especially in trade," Fathipour said, in interview posted on IRIB's website.
"Therefore, we want to build a bridge in the Gulibayli village," he explained.
Fathipour added that last week, experts from the Roads and Urban Development Ministry of Iran conducted research in the region to prepare for construction of the bridge.
"The site for construction of the bridge was determined, as a result," he said. "We hope its construction will begin soon."
Fathipour added that both countries are interested in construction of the bridge.
Also, Iran's Ambassador to Azerbaijan Mohsen Pak Ayeen, who also took part in the interview with IRIB, noted that the bridge, to be built over the Araz River, will shorten the travel time from Iran to the Azerbaijani city of Ganja, as well as when continuing on to Georgia.
At present, there are six checkpoints along Azerbaijan's border with Iran.
Five of them - the Julfa, Shahtahli, Astara, Bilasuvar and Imishli checkpoints, are currently operating, while the Horadiz Checkpoint's work was suspended some time ago.
The new bridge will be designed to assure the movement of cars and trucks.
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