Baku, Tehran to establish joint investment committee
By Sara Rajabova
The expansion of relations between Baku and Tehran was the main matter of discussions between Azerbaijani and Iranian officials in Tehran.
Azerbaijani delegation led by Economy and Industry Minister Shahin Mustafayev arrived with an official visit to Iran on September 16.
During the meeting with Mustafayev, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani called for expansion of cordial relations between Tehran and Baku, IRNA news agency reported.
Referring to the two countries' ancient-old historical relations, President Rouhani underscored that the mutual ties could be expanded in economic, political and cultural areas.
Describing terrorism as a very dangerous threat for the regional countries, President Rouhani underlined that terrorism is a contagious disease, which is stationed behind the borderlines of the countries. He added that if the regional countries do not remain united, every moment these germs (terrorists) may enter into their statesd.
Mustafayev, for his part, underscored that Azerbaijan and Iran have witnessed expansion of relations during the recent months.
He also guaranteed that no threat would pose Iran from the Azerbaijani soil.
Mustafayev also stressed that Azerbaijan stands ready to cooperate with Iran in the areas of water supply, electricity, transport, and trade.
Meanwhile, Iran's Economy and Finance Minister Ali Tayebnia and Mustafayev agreed to establish a joint investment committee in a meeting.
Mustafayev stressed development of all-out ties between the two countries.
Tayebnia, in turn, said Iran is committed to increase its current $500-million-trade exchange with Azerbaijan.
He added that Iranian investors are ready to help Baku to reconstruct its infrastructure including roads, plants and dams.
Mustafayev for his part welcomed expansion of ties between the two neighboring states and invited Tayebnia and Iranian investors to pay a visit to the country to become familiar with its investment opportunities.
Also, new areas for the further development of ties in different sectors were explored during the meeting of Communications and Information Technology Minister Mahmoud Vaezi and Mustafayev.
The Azerbaijani minister said the two countries are after improving mutual cooperation in all fields, especially in diplomatic areas.
He further noted that the team comprising 23 individuals is trying to mature mutual cooperation between the two countries.
Azerbaijani delegation, that includes representatives of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic's Supreme Assembly, State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), Azerenerji JSC and the ministries of foreign affairs, transport and emergency situations arrived in Tehran to discuss bilateral relations with Iran in energy, oil, customs, agriculture, tourism and transportation.
The visit is also aimed at pursuing the implementation of the agreements reached by the 9th Iran-Azerbaijan Joint Economic Cooperation Commission in Baku in August.
Tehran has in recent years focused seriously on development of ties with neighboring countries, including Azerbaijan which enjoys various commonalties with Iran in religious, historical and cultural fields.
Azerbaijan and Iran have had diplomatic relations since 1918. Iran recognized Azerbaijan's independence in 1991, and diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1992.
Data from the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan shows that trade turnover between the two countries amounted to $281.03 million in 2013, which is 6.13 percent higher than 2012. The figure stood at $263.785 million in 2012.