Iran , Azerbaijan to benefit from joint investment in transit area: envoy
By Sara Rajabova
Iran-Azerbaijan relations continue to move in a positive direction, and the two countries' officials intend to boost mutual ties, Iran's Ambassador to Baku told Trend Agency.
Mohsen Pakayin went on to say that the two sides will benefit from mutual cooperation and friendship.
Pakayin said the visits of high-ranking delegations from the two sides last year were a sign of mutual trust between the two countries, adding that the senior officials' visits will continue.
He also underlined the importance of the four active border checkpoints between the two countries, saying that Iran is a safe and close economic route for Azerbaijan to access Europe, Asia, the Persian Gulf, and even Africa.
He said both Iran and Azerbaijan will benefit from joint investment in transit area.
There are seven border crossings on the Azerbaijani-Iranian border. Recently, a new bridge was constructed at the Julfa border crossing point, and is ready for operation. An agreement on the terms of using the bridges required between Iran and Azerbaijan.
Pakayin further said about a million Azerbaijanis arrive in Iran every year, mainly for treatment.
He added that if the two countries open joint facilities in the border areas, the visits will also increase.
Pakayin also stressed the importance of the 9th Joint Iran-Azerbaijan Cooperation Commission meeting which is scheduled to be held in Baku, saying that the two sides are negotiating to set a date for the session.
Iran's foreign policy is based on expanding relations with its neighboring countries, and having an effective presence in the region for boosting stability and security, he noted.
Commenting on the unique historic, cultural and religious commonalities between Iran and Azerbaijan, Pakayin said the importance of mutual relations between the two countries has increased since president Hassan Rouhani took office in Iran.
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.
Data from the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan shows that trade turnover between the two countries amounted to $281.03 millionin 2013, which is 6.13 percent higher than 2012. The figure stood at $263.785 million in 2012. Iran imported $73.347 million worth of goods from Azerbaijan in 2013, while its exports to Azerbaijan stood at $207.683 million in the same period.
Iran's trade turnover with Azerbaijan in the first eleven months of the 2013stood at $470 million ($448 million exports and $22 million imports), Iran's customs administration's latest report shows. The statistics of Iran's customs administration are based on the official rate of rial/USD which is different from the free market rate.
The U.S. dollar was sold at the price of 31,000 rials on the free market on March 4, while the official price of the USD stood at 24,951 rials.