According to the Ministry’s Public Relation, Dr. Vaezi, the Head of the Iran-Azerbaijan’s Joint Economic Cooperation Commission, met with Shahin Mustafayev, the Economy and Industry Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan during the 10th session of the Commission, saying that: “The extensive relationship between the private sectors of both countries clearly show that a new chapter has opened in Tehran-Baku relations.”
He referred to President Rouhani’s decree regarding development of political, economic, and commercial relations with Azerbaijan, adding that: “Iran is fully prepared to hold joint commissions at regular intervals.”
Vaezi mentioned that Iran’s sanctions will be removed in two weeks’ time and added that: “By cancellation of these sanctions, banking cooperation will commence and increase between the two countries and international banks.”
The Communication Minister expressed that: “Both countries have similar views regarding extremism in the region, and the situation in the region is such that Iran and Azerbaijan are in a position to further develop bilateral relations.”
Vaezi referred to the common backgrounds like history and religion, between Iran and Azerbaijan, adding that: “Fortunately, we have already identified very good areas for bilateral and tripartite cooperation and this relationship is constantly growing.”
He recalled the worth of economic relations between two countries at an estimated 500 million dollars, saying: “This trade volume is not worthy of these two great nations.”
The Head of the Iran-Azerbaijan’s Joint Economic Cooperation Commission expressed confidence that: “We are trying to arrange the preparations of Ilham Aliyev’s visit to Tehran in our Joint Commission.”
He emphasized on the necessity of Iran- Azerbaijan cooperation in areas like gas, electricity, energy, transportation, cargo transit, medicine and healthcare, tourism, and many others, including that: “We had negotiations regarding pharmaceuticals and automobile industry in the past, but what we have managed recently is to conclude good agreements in air, land, and sea transportation sectors.”
Vaezi further elaborated regarding the agreement between two countries in Astara, which may have a positive impact on the transport relations of both nations, adding that: “In regard to cooperation in power and electricity sector, I am hopeful that we can come to a positive agreement concerning the related tariffs on this very trip.”
Vaezi asserted: “The banking relations of our countries is the key to help us find a path for further developing our trade relations and bilateral cooperation.”
He emphasized on the importance of creating the proper environment for presence of investors from both countries, saying: “We expect that this commission will lead to wise and courageous decisions on behalf of both nations.”
Vaezi referred to the presence of more than 100 representatives from private and public sectors in the commission, concluding that: “God willing, the formation of various workgroups in this commission in financial, economical, commercial, industrial, transportation, communication, and other fields will help the further expansion of Iran-Azerbaijan bilateral relations.”