Iran’s Zanjan province and Azerbaijan's regions can enhance cooperation: Ambassador
By Sara Rajabova
Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Iran said the potentials of the Iranian Zanjan province create favorable conditions for enhancing cooperation with Azerbaijan.
Javanshir Akhundov made the remarks on April 22 at a meeting with Head of Zanjan province Jamshid Ansari, IRNA news agency reported.
Akhundov stressed that Zanjan's rich deposits, good climate, geographical location, and potential in medicine provide great opportunities for enhancing cooperation between Zanjan and Azerbaijani regions.
Ansari, in turn, said the province ranks first among other Iranian provinces in terms of electricity production and the amount of rich deposits.
Saying that the largest zinc plant is located in Zanjan, Ansari added that Zanjan is also at the forefront of the agriculture field.
He stressed that the province is ready to cooperate with Azerbaijan in the inter-university cooperation, making mutual investments and conducting technology exchanges.
The Azerbaijani ambassador started his visit to Iran's provinces on April 20, and following a visit to Ardabil, he traveled to Zanjan.
Akhundov held meetings with governor of Ardabil Mejid Khodabakhsh, mayor of Sarein, and other officials, and discussed Azerbaijan's possible investments in Ardabil.
During his visit, Akhundov also discussed Azerbaijani businessmen's investments in tourism and other areas in Ardabil and Zanjan's economies.
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.