Baku, Tehran eager to expand cooperation in industry
By Sara Rajabova
Following the intensification of cooperation between Iran and Azerbaijan, the two countries are now willing to expand collaboration in industry.
Iran’s Deputy Minister of Mines, Industry and Trade Jafar Sargheini, who recently visited Azerbaijan, said on November 18 in an interview with Trend Agency that Baku and Tehran will expand their cooperation in mining, steel and automotive industries.
He said during his visit held talks with the Azerbaijani Economy and Industry Minister Shahin Mustafayev and Deputy Minister for Emergency Situations Orujali Hajiyev.
During the meetings, it was agreed to study the prospects of cooperation between Iran and Azerbaijan and discuss the issue during the Iranian Industry, Mines and Trade Minister Mohammad-Reza Nematzadeh’s visit to Baku on November 26.
Recently, the relations between Azerbaijan and Iran, two neighboring countries with a long history of bilateral ties and cooperation, have risen to a higher level.
Sargheini said there is a great capacity for cooperation between the two countries in the field of emergency situations and provision of security of mines.
During a meeting held in the Emergency Situations Ministry of Azerbaijan, it was agreed to exchange experience in the security of mines.
Sargheini noted that Iran and Azerbaijan are interested in expanding cooperation in industry and mining.
During Nematzadeh’s visit to Azerbaijan, the two sides are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding for the development of cooperation between the two countries, Sargheini added.
He also invited the Azerbaijani investors to make investments in mining in Iran, noting that the Islamic Republic has no restrictions in this area for foreign investors.
Iran is interested in both mutual investments with Azerbaijan, and in joint investments to a third party, Sargheini underlined.
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 development of ties with neighboring countries, including Azerbaijan which enjoys various commonalties with Iran in religious, historical and cultural fields.
The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Iran stood at $144.045 million in January-September 2014, according to the State Customs Committee (SCC) of Azerbaijan.
In the past nine months, goods worth $115.6 million were imported to Azerbaijan, and the goods exported by the country amounted to $28.45 million.