Azerbaijan, Iran enjoy opportunities to jointly produce agricultural products

By Azernews

By Amina Nazarli

Iran and Azerbaijan have opportunities to jointly produce, process and export a number of agricultural products.

Shahin Mustafayev, the economy minister of Azerbaijan and co-chair of Azerbaijan-Iran State Commission on cooperation in economic, trade and humanitarian spheres, made the remark as he received a delegation led by Governor of Iran's West Azerbaijan province Ghorbanali Saadat Qarabagh on January 25, Azertac reported.

West Azerbaijan Province is one of the 31 provinces of Iran. The province is located in the northwest of the country, bordering Turkey, Iraq and Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

The Iranian side also noted real opportunities for joint production, processing and export of products in various spheres of the economy, including the agriculture. The governor stressed importance of organizing joint exhibitions for demonstration of Azerbaijani and Iran products.

Mustafayev further emphasized development of political and economic relations between Azerbaijan and Iran, underlining special importance of reciprocal visits and meetings of the heads of states in expanding the cooperation between the two sides.

“The State Commission on cooperation in economic, trade and humanitarian spheres between Azerbaijan and Iran carry out tasks put forward by the heads of states. Relations are expanded between the two countries in the fields of energy, transit, infrastructure,” said the minister.

The two noted vast possibilities for expansion of cooperation between border regions of Azerbaijan and Iran.

Saadat Qarabagh also emphasized the highest level of relations between the two countries in history achieved during last years, as well as political will and important role of the heads of states in the development of relations.

As part of the visit, the Iranian delegation also met with Mammad Musayev, President of National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations of Azerbaijan (ASK).

They discussed economic and trade relations between the two countries, as well as further opportunities for boosting the cooperation.

During the meeting, Qarabagh emphasized that West Azerbaijan Province of Iran was interested in developing cooperation with Azerbaijan.

Musayev highlighted the role of the heads of states of both countries in development of Azerbaijani-Iranian ties. He provided an insight into the measures carried out under the president to develop the non-oil sector of economy, especially business sector in Azerbaijan.

Morover, Iran’s West Azerbaijan Province and Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic agreed to expand cooperation in various economic and cultural sectors.

Saadat Qarabagh, who was heading a 21-member delegation to Nakhchivan, met with Chairman of the Supreme Assembly of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic Vasif Talibov and discussed issues of mutual interest, the Islamic Republic’s Consul General in Nakhchivan Mansour Ayrom told Trend.

The parties agreed to cooperate in agriculture, scientific and academic fields as well as transit, customs and tourism, the Iranian diplomat said.

Holding economic exhibitions and cooperation in joint production of goods were other agreements reached at the meetings of the Iranian delegation with Azerbaijani officials in Nakhchivan.

Azerbaijan and Iran have had diplomatic relations since 1918. Iran recognized Azerbaijan's independence in 1991, and diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1992.