Iran seeks to export agricultural products to Russia via Azerbaijan
By Sara Rajabova
Azerbaijan can play a role of bridge for Iran's agricultural exports to Russia.
The remark was made during a meeting of Iranian Minister of Agricultural Jihad Mahmoud Hojjati with Economy and Industry Minister Shahin Mustafayev in Tehran on September 17, Fars new agency reported.
Iran has recently announced its intention to replace the Europe in Russian market following the Moscow's ban on food import from the European Union, United States, Norway, Canada and Australia.
Hojjati called on Baku to cooperate with Tehran in transiting its agricultural exports to Russia.
"Iran and Azerbaijan through cooperation can pave the way for export of Iran's agricultural products to Russia," Hojjati said.
He also noted that a delegation to be headed by an Iranian deputy agricultural jihad minister will visit Azerbaijan soon to study mutual cooperation between the two countries in this regard.
Mustafayev, for his part, pointed to Tehran-Baku relations, adding that the Iranian-Azerbaijani nations have historical bonds and many grounds for mutual cooperation.
He welcomed Tehran's transit offer, nothing that Azerbaijani companies are very experienced in transiting exports to third countries.
Mustafayev, who is heading a high-ranking delegation, arrived in Iran on September 16 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.