BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 31
By Elnur Baghishov – Trend:
The Araz River is a factor in the development and strengthening of relations between the peoples of Iran and Azerbaijan, Iranian Energy Minister Reza Ardakanian said, Trend reports citing the ministry.
He made the remark today on May 31, in an event on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Araz and Mil-Mughan hydro junctions with the participation of Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov, ambassadors of the two countries, and some high-ranking officials of the two countries.
According to Ardakanian, the Araz River is a symbol of peace and friendship between the two countries.
The minister added that fortunately, the Araz and Mil-Mughan hydro junctions have led to landscaping around the river over the past 50 years (1971-2021). In the near future, we will witness the launch of the Khudafarin and Giz Galasi hydro junctions.
"Iran and Azerbaijan have cultural, historical, and religious partners in many areas. These partnerships have specially developed relations between the two countries," he said.
Ardakanian noted that after the event, discussions were held on cooperation between the two countries in the field of water and energy and the development of this cooperation. The Araz River has created great potential between the two countries. Taking into account these potentials, cooperation in electricity generation will be developed.
Reportedly, water was launched to be pumped to two reservoirs in the East Azerbaijan Province (northwestern Iran) and a hydro junction was put into operation on May 31. A total of 10 trillion rials (about $238 million) has been spent on these facilities.
One of the biggest plans in northwestern Iran is the Khudafarin Hydro-electric plan. A part of this plan is the Giz Galasi water reservoir. The Giz Galasi water reservoir was built on the Araz River. The reservoir has a capacity of 62 million cubic meters of water.
The Giz Galasi reservoir will regulate 2 billion cubic meters of water per year. Iran and Azerbaijan each have the right to use 1 billion cubic meters of water a year from this reservoir.