Azernews.Az

The development of relations between Iran and Azerbaijan is the main factor of stability and peace in the region, newly appointed Iranian Ambassador Mohsen Pak Ayin told Trend news agency upon his arrival in Baku.

According to the ambassador, he is determined to hold negotiations with the purpose to expand cooperation between the two countries for the protection of common interests within international organizations.

"Solving the existing problems in developing cooperation in the energy sector, trade and transit between the two countries is to become one of the priorities during my tenure in Azerbaijan. Holding additional negotiations and exchange of mutual visits could give a positive impetus to developing bilateral relations," Pak Ayin said.

The newly appointed Iranian ambassador arrived in Azerbaijan early on Friday.

Pak Ayin underlined that the existing opportunites and potential in the economy and trade spheres provides the basis for a promising future.

"I will make an effort to strengthen relations between the two countries both in the private sector and at the level of the Chambers of Commerce, using the potential of the borderline regions of Iran and Azerbaijan," he said.

Pak Ayin added that both Iran and Azerbaijan are linked by cultural, religious and geographical commonality, and sincere friendship between the leaders of the two countries is a valuable support for the expansion of ties.

"The relations between the two countries are transparent and there is great potential for the development of relations in the political, economic and cultural spheres," he said.

According to Pak Ayin, an ancient civilization and a common cultural heritage are the factors that bring Iran and Azerbaijan closer to each other, and those factors are the basis of the friendship between the two peoples.

The ambassador noted the important role of the media in bringing together the views of the two peoples, and stressed that the development of relations between the media of the two countries will be the focus of his work as ambassador in Azerbaijan.

Pak Ayin expressed satisfaction with his visit to Azerbaijan and acquaintance with the Azerbaijani people.

Mohsen Pak Ayin was born in 1954 in the province of Fars. He was head of the Iranian Foreign Ministry's department on Afghanistan prior to his appointment to Azerbaijan. He also served as ambassador to Zambia, Uzbekistan and Thailand.

Pak Ayin succeeds Muhammadbaghir Bahrami, whose diplomatic mission ended this summer.