Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

Iran attaches special importance to developing relations with its neighbors, particularly with Azerbaijan.

Iranian Communications and Information Technology Minister, Mahmoud Vaezi, made the remark at a meeting with Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Khalaf Khalafov in Tehran, Iranian IRNA news agency reported on April 8.

The sides held discussions on the development of bilateral ties during the meeting.

Khalafov congratulated Vaezi on election as the chairman of Iran-Azerbaijan Intergovernmental Joint Economic Commission.

Khalafov pointed out the potential for the development of relations between the two countries.

Mahmoud Vaezi, in turn, said he will make every effort for further development of relations between the two countries as a chairman of the Iran-Azerbaijan Intergovernmental Joint Economic Commission.

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.

Iran imported $73.347 million worth of goods from Azerbaijan in 2013, while its exports to Azerbaijan stood at $207.683 million during the same period.

Iran's trade turnover with Azerbaijan in the first eleven months of 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.