Iran, Azerbaijan work on abolition of visa regime
By Sara Rajabova
Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Asia and Oceania and Special Representative for Caspian Sea Affairs, Ebrahim Rahimpour recently said Iran and Azerbaijan have discussed the abolition of visa regime.
Rahimpour said the work is underway in this regard, IRNA news agency reported on April 19.
He went on to add a special group at Iran's Foreign Ministry is currently reviewing the abolishment of the visa regime with other countries for Iranian citizens.
Rahimpour said the simplification of Iranian citizens' travelling to neighbouring countries is one of the main directions of Tehran's foreign policy.
Iran unilaterally abolished visa requirements for Azerbaijan's citizens on January 1, 2010.
The decision simplified the conditions for the Azerbaijani people, mainly for the residents of the borderline regions who visit Iran for various purposes, especially for medical treatment, pilgrimage to the Mashad city and trade.
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.