TODAY.AZ / Politics

Tehran, Baku established very friendly relations for common good, Iran’s Rouhani

01 September 2015 [10:27] - TODAY.AZ

/By AzerNews/

By Sara Rajabova

Iran has repeatedly voiced its commitment to enhance ties with neighboring countries, giving special importance to the development of ties with Azerbaijan.

Relations between the countries have recently entered into new phase of development, following the intensification of mutual visits and signed agreements.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Iran and Azerbaijan have worked a lot toward attaining mutual interests.

“We can have a lot of relations with Azerbaijan. We have established very friendly relations for the common good,” he told a Trend correspondent during a press conference in Tehran on August 29.

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

Currently, the two countries, which enjoy various religious, historical, and cultural commonalties, are focused on expanding economic and cultural ties, especially in tourism, education, etc.

Rouhani added that efforts have been made to advance economic relations and joint cooperation around the Caspian Sea.

“There is also an oil field which we are discussing with Azerbaijan to start working on jointly,” the president said.

“Our efforts are aimed at making better use of the Caspian Sea and its environment,” Rouhani said.

Rouhani noted that currently, the trade turnover between the two countries is about $500 million, noting that Azerbaijan and Iran have set a goal to increase this figure by four times, up to $2 billion.

Iran's export to Azerbaijan during the first half of 2015 decreased 55.36 percent to $42.52 million year-on-year. Azerbaijan's export to Iran also decreased 67.11 percent to $11.16 million during that period.

He further expressed happiness that the unconstructive media barrage on both sides has subsided.

“Now the two governments are sure that they can cooperate, and it is hoped that the efforts can help regional security, including the Nagorno-Karabakh issue,” Rouhani said.

Tehran has repeatedly reiterated its support of Baku in its position towards the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which emerged in 1988 over Armenia’s territorial claims against Azerbaijan.

Earlier, Mohsen Pak Ayeen, Iranian Ambassador to Azerbaijan said cooperation between Iran and Azerbaijan contributes to the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

URL: http://www.today.az/news/politics/143313.html

Print version

Views: 1133

Connect with us. Get latest news and updates.

Recommend news to friend

  • Your name:
  • Your e-mail:
  • Friend's name:
  • Friend's e-mail: