Trend interviewed Azerbaijani Ambassador to Iran Javanshir Akhundov, who was recently appointed to the post.
Azerbaijan, Baku, Feb. 17 / Trend S.Agayeva /
Trend : Ambassador, how do you assess the current state of the Azerbaijan-Iran bilateral relations and what are your main priorities for the near future?
Akhundov: Today, the Azerbaijani-Iranian bilateral relations develop in different directions and are getting progressively positive.
The historical, geographical, religious and cultural affinity determines the basis of our fraternal and neighborly relations and its specificity.
I should also mention the vital role of Heydar Aliyev, who has laid a strong foundation of our fraternal relations, and has established trust between our countries. Today relations between President Ilham Aliyev and President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad have contributed to the multilateral development and cooperation between our countries.
Relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran have a special place in Azerbaijan's foreign policy.
In 2009, during Aliyev's visit to Iran, the sides signed several important documents reflecting the degree of importance of our relationship.
Moreover, in 2009 during the next meeting of the Azerbaijani-Iranian Intergovernmental Commission agreements were reached, which have created new opportunities for further development of political, economic and cultural cooperation between the two countries. Being a leader in the region in terms of economic development, Azerbaijan is interested in expanding ties with Iran.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov's official visit to Iran has also been very fruitful. One of the important responsibilities entrusted to me as the newly appointed ambassador, is to take all necessary steps towards the implementation of the reached agreements.
Q: You have held meetings with Iranian state officials. What issues take priority during these meetings?
A: For the first two months of my work in Iran, I was able to meet with many top officials in the country. These meetings not only emphasized the high level of Azerbaijani-Iranian relations, but also noted the absence of obstacles in resolving the current issues. Both sides highlighted the need to accelerate the implementation of agreements reached during the visit of the two presidents, plans and economic projects developed at the meeting of senior officials of both countries in resolving the social problems of our citizens.
Q: The issue of delimitation of the Caspian Sea between Iran and Azerbaijan has been unresolved for a long time. Do you see progress and will coming from Iran to find a solution?
A: Today, all Caspian littoral states must unite their efforts to make the Caspian Sea a peaceful and stable zone. The countries have established a working group at the level of deputy foreign ministers, working on the development of a convention on the legal status of the Caspian Sea, and to date have held numerous meetings. Based on the existing information, a number of issues on the Caspian states have already been agreed. The issue was also discussed at the Ahmadinejad-Mammadyarov meeting. The sides highly appreciated the working group's activities and emphasized the importance of continuing its efforts in reaching a common agreement.
Q: Iran plays an important role in the power supply of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Are there any transportation projects and particularly projects in the area of supplying Nakhchivan with Iranian gas?
A: We appreciate the attention that Iran pays to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, which is under blockade because of Armenian aggression. The agreement on exchange of gas, signed between Azerbaijan and Iran has particular importance. It plays a significant role in providing the republic with fuel. In its turn, the Azerbaijani side helps to provide the northern provinces of Iran with gas in winter, and with electricity in summer. Iran's role in the implementation of projects to improve the republic's gas network, to construct the hydroelectric power station Ordubad-Mazarad, a bridge across the Araz river, as well as the Julfa-Ordubad is significant.
Q: What is the problem with implementing a long-term contract for the supply of Azerbaijani gas to Iran? What are some of the political and economic benefits of the project?
A: Today, Azerbaijan conducts an independent energy policy. It prefers the transportation of energy resources around the world through different routes. Recently, negotiations have been held between SOCAR and the National Gas Company of Iran. As a result of the negotiations, an agreement on the export of gas to Iran was reached.
I should note that at the moment, Azerbaijan puts its own economic interests ahead. It seeks to sell its energy resources in line with world market prices by delivering its energy to the world market and exporting gas to Iran.
Q: Recently you have met with Iran's Vice President Hamid Baqaei. According to media, they have discussed the opening of a passenger trip and the establishment of Azerbaijani banks in Iran, and particularly in Iran's free and special economic zones. Please tell us more about these projects.
A: During a meeting with Iranian Vice President and Head of the Tourism and Protection of Cultural Monuments Department Hamid Baqaei a range of issues were discussed. Basically, the conference was devoted to the activities of free economic zones and their capabilities.
The Iranian side is interested in the implementation of passenger transport between the ports of Anzali and Baku, as well as in the implementation of future passenger and freight transportation between the ports of Amirabad and Baku-Nowshahr.
The Mirza Kuchek Khan vessel, designed to carry 150 passengers is envisaged to conduct passenger trips on the Anzali-Baku-Anzali route. It is known that this route was used for many years, but in 1998 its activity was suspended.
Naturally, as countries located on the sea coast, we must use sea routes to transport both passengers and cargo. Azerbaijan is interested in the development of marine tourism between the Caspian states, and approved the proposal of the Iranian side.
Q: At what stage is the case of Azerbaijani scholar Rashid Aliyev who was arrested in Iran? How many Azerbaijani citizens are imprisoned in Iran? What is the situation with their extradition to the Azerbaijan?
A: One of my important duties as ambassador is to solve problems of Azerbaijani citizens visiting Iran. In this regard, we always keep in touch with the Iranian Foreign Ministry and various governmental agencies. We are trying, it is possible, to solve the problems of our citizens. Embassy officials regularly meet with our imprisoned citizens and provide legal protection if necessary. We use all our capabilities within the local legislation to protect the rights of our citizens.
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