Details added (first version posted on 11:23)
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 25
By Azad Hasanli - Trend:
Azerbaijan and Iran have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of energy and water resources use, continuation of the construction and operation of hydroelectric power plants and hydroelectric complexes "Khudaferin" and "Giz Galasi" on the Araz River, a source in the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan said Feb. 25.
The document was signed by the co-chairs of the intergovernmental commission - Azerbaijani Economy Minister Shahin Mustafayev and Iranian Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mahmoud Vaezi.
The agreement includes principles of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and Iran, highlights the need to restore the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan in accordance with the UN resolutions, proclaims equal rights for water and energy resources along hydroelectric complexes "Khudaferin" and "Giz Galasi".
The document states that Iran will ensure completion of construction of hydroelectric complexes and hydroelectric power plants, preservation and operation of water and energy resources at hydroelectric complexes and hydroelectric power plants until the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan is restored.
The agreement says that the sides will use these facilities on equal terms. Azerbaijani specialists will be involved in construction and operation of the facilities in accordance with the agreement.
"The signing of this document, which is very important for Azerbaijan, is the result of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's successful foreign policy," the statement said. "This testifies to the country's high prestige on international arena."
"The signing of this document also reflects the Azerbaijan-Iran relations," the statement said. "These relations have been rapidly developing recently. They are based on the principles of good-neighborliness and friendship, as well as directed to establish peace in the region."