Azerbaijan, Iran discuss cooperation in fight against transnational organized crime

Baku, August 19 (AzerTAc). Azerbaijan`s Minister of Internal Affairs Ramil Usubov has met chief of the Iranian Border Service Gasim Rezai to discuss the bilateral cooperation in combating transnational organized crime. Usubov praised Azerbaijan-Iran relations as “strong”, saying they were based on friendship and neighbourhood. “Foundations of these ties were laid by national leader Heydar Aliyev after the country restored its independence in 1993.” “The process of integration between the two countries has manifested itself in a number of fields, including economy, education and culture. This puts additional responsibility on the internal affairs bodies,” he said. Usubov said such meetings created good opportunities for combining efforts in fighting against transnational organized crime and international terrorism, especially illegal drug trade. The Azerbaijani Minister said President Ilham Aliyev`s official trips to Iran had strengthened bilateral relations. “Azerbaijan`s Ministry of Internal Affairs is keen to expand the bilateral ties with Iranian counterparts.” Minister Usubov highlighted current socio-political and criminogenic situation in Azerbaijan. Chief of the Iranian Border Service Rezai said such meetings and the implementation of the bilateral agreements were in the best interests of the two countries, which, he said, shared common religious, cultural and historic roots.