Azerbaijan-Iran border cooperation praised

/By AzerNews - Sara Rajabova

Azerbaijan- Iran border issues were discussed during an Iranian delegation’s visit to the country.

Vasif Talibov, chairman of the Supreme Assembly of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic met Qasim Razai, chief of the Iranian Border Guards on April 13.

Talibov hailed relations between the two countries as friendly, praising cooperation between Azerbaijani-Iranian border guards.

He noted that borders are strategic zones for every country, adding there are two border checkpoints between Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and Iran.

Talibov said these checkpoints are of great importance in terms of establishing and developing relations between the Autonomous Republic and Iran neighboring provinces.

Razai, for his part, praised Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic' socio-economic development. He highlighted cooperation between Iran and Azerbaijan border guards, adding the Nakhchivan meeting of the commanders of the border guards of the two countries would open new opportunities for cooperation.

The sides stressed how important it was for both state border nations to expanding their relations.

Elchin Guliyev, chief of the Azerbaijan State Border Service and Mansur Ayrim, consul general of Iran to Nakhchivan were also present at the meeting.

There are six border checkpoints on the Iranian-Azerbaijani border including Julfa, Shakhtakhti, Astara, Bilasuvar and Imishli. Horadiz border checkpoint hasn't been operating for a long time.

Since February 2010, Iran unilaterally abolished its visa regime for all citizens of Azerbaijan, with the exception of journalists.

Azerbaijan and Iran also agreed within an intergovernmental commission to simplify the visa regime and the introduction of disposable (30-day) visa for Iranian citizens in the territory of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. The charge of the visa fee stands at ten euros.

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