Iran calls for Azerbaijan's investment in Ardabil
By Sara Rajabova
Iran invited Azerbaijani businessmen to invest in the construction sector of the country.
Jalil Jafari, the Iranian MP from the city of Khalkhal, said Iran is inviting Azerbaijani investors to participate in the construction project of a cement plant in Khalkhal, Ardabil province.
Jafari made the remarks while commenting on the results of the negotiations with Azerbaijan's ambassador to Iran Javanshir Akhundov, Iran's IRNA news agency reported.
He said during the negotiations, the Azerbaijani side had expressed its interest in making investments in the cement plant, the construction of which was suspended nearly three years ago.
Iranian Foreign Minister's spokesman in Ardabil province Bahrouz Zare Mirzai told Trend Agency that Akhundov had visited Ardabil on April 20.
Mirzai said Akhundov held meetings with governor of Ardabil Mejid Khodabakhsh, mayor of Sarein, and other officials on April 20.
Azerbaijan's possible investments in Ardabil were discussed during the meetings, he added.
Mirzai said the projects for constructing a cement plant in Khalkhal, developing tourism in Sarein, and constructing the Ardabil-Bilasuvar (Azerbaijan) railway were discussed during Akhundov's meetings with Ardabil officials.
At the meeting with Khodabakhsh, Akhundov said Azerbaijan and Iran are bound by historical ties, and stressed that a new page had opened in the development of relations between the two countries.
Akhundov said Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's visit to Iran had created a foundation for developing economic ties between the two countries and demonstrated a good potential for further expansion of cooperation in various areas.
President Aliyev visited Iran on April 9 and held talks with Iranian officials on a range of issues.
Akhundov went on to say that there is investment potential for mining, industry, and tourism.
"We will encourage the Azerbaijani investors to put their money in Ardabil," Akhundov stressed.
He underscored the importance of merging the Azerbaijani and Iranian railways which will result in the expansion of economic ties between the two countries.
During the meeting, Khodabakhsh said Azerbaijani businessmen have an opportunity to invest in all areas in the province.
He added that the Iranian government is interested in investments by private companies and foreign investors, and will grant them benefits.
Khodabakhsh also invited the Azerbaijani investors to take part in economic projects in Ardabil.
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.