Tehran, Iran, March 5
By Mehdi Sepahvand – Trend:
The current visit of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Aliyev to Tehran is a sign of eternal friendship between Iran and Azerbaijan, former Iranian ambassador to Baku Mohsen Pakaeen told Trend March 5.
This shows that Tehran and Baku are serious to pursue their previous agreements, the diplomat said.
The visit is particularly noteworthy in that it is the eighth visit between Mr. Aliyev and his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani in the past four years, considering the fact that the two heads of state also met in a trilateral meeting with Russia recently, Pakaeen noted.
He pointed out that during Mr. Aliyev’s trip to Tehran, the two countries pursued their friendly ties, indicated by signing various agreements, including in areas of banking and battle against money laundering.
On the same day as President Aliyev’s visit to Iran, the two countries inaugurated a railroad that connects them together. The Astara-Astara railroad that came into service during Aliyev’s visit is part of the North-South Corridor.
The North-South Transport Corridor project, which is being jointly implemented by Azerbaijan and Iran, is a historical event, said Mr. Aliyev in a joint press conference with Rouhani.
President Aliyev pointed out that there are very good results in the economic sphere.
“Our trade turnover has grown by more than 70 percent last year. This is the result of the agreements reached,” said Aliyev, adding that all the signed documents are being realized.
“Eighteen documents were signed last year alone during my visits to Iran and President Rouhani’s visits to Azerbaijan. Two additional documents have been signed today. This creates a strong legal framework for our relations. The Iranian side has started to make investments in Azerbaijan and we are grateful for that,” added President Aliyev.