Tehran, Baku Emphasize Expansion Of Ties

Tehran, Sept 17, IRNA - Iran and Azerbaijan emphasized expansion of mutual ties without the interference of some countries. Speaking on the sidelines of his meeting with Azerbaijani Economic Development and Industry Minister Shahin Mustafayev, Iranian Communications and Information Technology Minister Mahmoud Vaezi said that both countries held favorable negotiations and discussed broadening of ties in different fields. Vaezi added that the Azeri delegation consists of officials from nine state organizations. “Discussions revolved around issues related to energy, oil, gas, banking, tourism, agro, transportation, industrial and trade sectors, as well as customs affairs,” he said. The minister also said the Azeri delegation will hold meetings with the Iranian ministers of energy, agricultural Jihad, economy and roads. Both countries are to set up committees to further look into the issues by September 18. Vaezi noted that the Azeri delegation has travelled to Iran to pursue implementation of agreements signed by both countries during the visit of Azeri President Ilham Aliyev to Tehran and those finalized in Iran-Azerbaijan Economic Commission. He said the delegation’s trip to Iran will also pave way for the forthcoming visit of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to Baku. “The two sides discussed political and regional issues, and called for fostering mutual ties, regardless of the interference of some hostile countries,” he said. Vaezi also said Iran, Azerbaijan and Turkey will set up a joint commission in the future. He added that in the meeting with the Azeri delegation, the two sides also discussed travel facilitation by both countries through Nakhchivan’s border. Speaking in the meeting with Vaezi, Mustafayev said ties between the two countries are broadening due to the two nations’ close ties. “Some countries do not want Tehran-Baku relations to grow. We should be careful about their potential threats,” he said. The Azeri minister said his delegation comprises a large number of Azeri officials, which indicates the importance Azerbaijan attaches to boosting relations with Iran. “We will do our best to achieve favorable results in the current visit,” he said./end