Ilham Aliyev meets Iranian minister of economic affairs [UPDATE]

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received a delegation led by Iranian Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance, new co-chairman of the Azerbaijan-Iran Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation Masoud Karbasian.

President Ilham Aliyev congratulated Masoud Karbasian on his appointment as Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Azertac reported.

Touching upon the work of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission, the head of state said he was confident that the Commission will continue to work successfully and effectively in the future. Noting that Azerbaijan-Iran bilateral relations are developing rapidly and successfully, the head of state stressed the importance of the meetings between the presidents in expanding these ties. Saying that economic cooperation between the two countries yielded good results, President Ilham Aliyev noted that trade between the two countries increased by 70 per cent last year and by 30 per cent this year. The head of state emphasized that the two countries have implemented all agreements. Underlining successful execution of joint transnational projects, the head of state expressed his confidence that the two countries will maintain mutually fruitful cooperation in this regard.

Masoud Karbasian said he is pleased to pay his first visit to Azerbaijan as Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the new co-chairman of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission. He expressed his hope that he will justify confidence put in him and cope with responsibility in this position and contribute to the development of relations between the two countries. “We are deeply impressed by the successful development achieved in Azerbaijan under your leadership. I congratulate you on these wonderful achievements,” Masoud Karbasian said.

They exchanged views over prospects for cooperation in economy, trade, transport, North-South international transport corridor, health, agriculture, banking and finance.