Iranian FM, Top Azeri MP Meet in Baku

Iran’s top diplomat, who is in Baku for an official visit, held talks with Gafarova at the parliament of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Wednesday evening.

The two officials discussed ways of strengthening the ties between the two countries in different areas, including parliamentary cooperation.

Amirabdollahian said the presence of the speaker of Azerbaijan’s National Assembly at the inauguration ceremony of the Iranian president shows the depth of friendly relations between the two countries.

He added that the unique commonalities between Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan are a great asset for the two countries, paving the ground for the development of bilateral ties.

Referring to the talks between the presidents of Iran and Azerbaijan in Ashgabat on the sidelines of the ECO Summit, the foreign minister said that the meeting has opened a new page in relations between the two neighboring countries.

He said the transfer of Iranian gas to Azerbaijan will become operational soon within the framework of the three-way agreement on Turkmen gas swap to Azerbaijan through Iran.

Amirabdollahian emphasized the readiness of the two countries to swiftly expand mutual cooperation, including in the fields of trade, economy and transportation.

He also expressed hope that the documents related to the amendment to the Road Tolls and Preferential Tariffs Law will be approved by the National Assembly of the Republic of Azerbaijan in order to facilitate the expansion of cooperation, the Iranian Foreign Ministry reported.

For her part, Gafarova said the relations between Iran and Azerbaijan are long-standing, highlighting the historical, cultural and territorial commonalities of the two countries.

“We have witnessed and appreciate the strong support of the government and people of Iran for the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh war,” she added.

Gafarova further referred to the interest and readiness of Azerbaijan’s General Assembly to assist in the expansion of relations between the two countries and reminded of the need to strengthen parliamentary friendship groups of Iran and Azerbaijan.

The speaker also expressed hope that her Iranian counterpart, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, would visit Baku in the near future.