Azerbaijan, Baku / corr Trend P.Kesamanski / Current relations between Azerbaijan and Iran can be an example to the world, the Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejat stated at a news conference in Baku on 22 August for Azerbaijani and Iranian journalists
"Some great countries consider us [ Iran] as the enemy, and go against our friendly relations. I want to tell them that they are mistaken. Both countries have common historical roots and our friendly people have closer relations. The people of Azerbaijan and Iran laugh at our enemies in our hearts," the Iranian President said.
Azerbaijan and Iran possess huge potential and the experience of the two countries is open for cooperation.
"The political will of the two countries promote the expansion of the potential. During talks with the Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev we discussed these issues. We do not see any obstacles in the way of consolidation of cooperation," Ahmedinejat said.
" Azerbaijan's potential is in energy, tourism and science. Modern Iran also possesses a great potential. New technology and nuclear energy is being developed throughout the country. Great success has been achieved in the industry," the Iranian President said.
According to the State Statistics Committee, from January to June 2007 goods turnover between Azerbaijan and Iran exceeded $304mln. In this period goods export from Azerbaijan to Iran exceeded $257mln, and import from Iran was over $46.8mln.
"Future prospects of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Iran are clear to us. We, as neighbors, should live alongside as friends," Ahmedinejat stressed.
Iran has become a producer and exporter in the most important spheres of the economy and the infrastructure is under development.
"Ports and roads and are actively being built in Iran and there are great achievements in the oil and gas sector, which is the most developed sphere in the region," Ahmedinejat said.