Tehran attaches special attention to ties with Baku
By Sara Rajabova
Baku and Tehran have boosted bilateral relations in the recent times with a number of documents signed between them, as well as the reciprocal visit of two sides’ high officials.
Now the forthcoming visit of Iranian president to Azerbaijan will further strengthen the cooperation between the two countries.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister and Special Representative for Caspian Sea Affairs, Ebrahim Rahimpour said Azerbaijan holds special place in Iran’s foreign policy.
Rahimpour, who is on an official visit to Azerbaijan told Trend Agency on November 10 that, Azerbaijan and Iran have common historical roots, and the countries’ bilateral ties are based on friendly relations.
He added that’s why nothing can severe relations between the two countries, or harm the strong friendship of the peoples of Iran and Azerbaijan.
Rahimpour noted that Iran is bordered on the land with seven countries, and with eight states on the sea, stressing that among the neighboring states there are very few countries that are so similar as Iran and Azerbaijan.
“Therefore, Azerbaijan holds its specific place among 15 countries in Iran’s foreign policy. This is a special country,” Rahimpour said.
He added that Iran and Azerbaijan must pay attention to relations between the two countries to stand at a good level.
Rahimpour also said it is encouraging that both countries are interested in preserving bilateral relations at a high level, and they are able to give an adequate response to the forces wishing to spoil relations between them.
“No force can harm the friendship between our countries,” he underscored.
Rahimpour stressed that expanding cooperation in cultural, economic and security spheres is a priority for both parties.
“This cooperation, both bilaterally and in a regional format, is a priority in ensuring the prosperity, stability and security of the two countries’ peoples and this is included in the documents and discussions, going on between them,” he said.
Rahimpour further said the economic, cultural, political and legal documents, as well as the two presidents’ joint declaration, and the documents on Khodaafarin Bridge and border rivers will be prepared during the Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s upcoming visit to Azerbaijan.
President Rouhani’s visit to Azerbaijan is scheduled to take place on November 12. During the visit, the two countries will sign ten documents on the development of cooperation in power industry, simplification of customs procedures, transportation, tourism, and trade sectors.
Rahimpour said eight documents have already been agreed and discussions on the rest documents are underway.
Furthermore speaking about the talks on legal status of the Caspian Sea, Rahimpour said some progress has been achieved in the negotiations between the countries of the Caspian Sea region on the issue.
Rahimpour said the summit of the heads of Caspian Sea countries in Astrakhan was fruitful, adding that this was one of the most effective meetings held in recent times.
“Although, the positions of five littoral states on determining the status of the Caspian Sea are close enough, currently, a number of issues remain unresolved,” he said.
Rahimpour also said the Caspian Sea countries haven’t reached any agreement yet on holding joint naval exercises.
“These countries have bilateral cooperation, but they do not have a five-party agreement on cooperation in the military sphere. They have signed a document in the sphere of security and it has been approved by these countries’ parliaments,” Rahimpour said.
Rahimpour added that Caspian Sea countries may ensure their security by prohibiting the entry of other forces to the Caspian Sea waters which is also of great significance for all involved states.
Recently, the relations between the neighboring countries with a long history of bilateral ties and cooperation have risen to a higher level.
Tehran has in recent years focused seriously on development of ties with neighboring countries, including Azerbaijan which enjoys various commonalties with Iran in religious, historical and cultural fields.
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.
The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Iran stood at $144.045 million in January-September 2014, according to the State Customs Committee (SCC) of Azerbaijan.
In nine months, goods worth $115.6 million were imported to Azerbaijan, and the goods exported by the country were worth $28.45 million.