Iran supports Azerbaijan`s territorial integrity
By Sara Rajabova
Azerbaijani and Iranian high-ranking military officials have exchanged views on the military-political situation in the region.
Colonel-General Zakir Hasanov, Azerbaijan’s defense minister and Hossein Dehghan, Iran’s defense and armed forces logistics minister discussed the development of bilateral relations during their meeting in Baku on April 20.
Hasanov said cooperation between the two countries has been based on friendly relations and it is being constantly developed.
He stressed the services of national leader Heydar Aliyev and President Ilham Aliyev in establishing and developing mutual respect in Azerbaijani-Iranian ties.
As for the military-political situation in the region, Hasanov provided an insight into the cause and consequences of Armenia's aggression toward Azerbaijan, saying “this conflict threatens regional stability”.
Dehghan, for his part, reiterated that Iran supports Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and its fair position on the settlement of the conflict.
He further highlighted the great potential of both countries in the political, economic, cultural, security and military fields.
Noting that relations between Azerbaijan and Iran have ancient roots, he emphasized the countries share the same values in friendly relations.
The sides also exchanged views on prospects of relations between the armed forces of both countries.
President Aliyev also received the Iranian delegation led by Dehghan on April 20.
Iran and Azerbaijan have had diplomatic relations since 1918. Iran recognized Azerbaijan's independence in 1991, and diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1992.
Tehran has in recent years focused seriously on developing ties with neighboring countries, including Azerbaijan which enjoys various commonalities with Iran -- religious, historical and cultural.
Currently, the two countries are focused on expanding their economic ties, developing cooperation in various fields -- industry, agriculture, energy, alternative energy and transportation.
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Sara Rajabova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on
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