Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

Iranian envoy praised the development of ties between Tehran and Baku, saying Iran-Azerbaijan relations are on the rise.

Mohsen Pakaeen, Iranian Ambassador to Azerbaijan made the remarks during the 15th joint meeting of the Caspian Sea littoral countries’ chambers of commerce in Iran's Anzali Free Zone, IRNA news agency reported.

He pointed to meetings between the Iranian and Azerbaijani presidents and noted that Iranian and Azerbaijani chambers of commerce have held frequent meetings in the past year.

Pakaeen added that improving shipping lines between Iran and Azerbaijan especially for transporting passengers would be of great help to mutual relations.

He went on to note that about one million people from Azerbaijan visited Iran mostly on health tourism last Iranian calendar year (which ended March 20).

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.

Tehran has in recent years focused seriously on developing ties with neighboring countries, including Azerbaijan which enjoys various commonalities with Iran -- religious, historical and cultural.

Currently, the two countries are focused on expanding their economic ties, developing cooperation in various fields -- industry, agriculture, energy, alternative energy and transportation.

Trade turnover between Iran and Azerbaijan reached $433.8 million during the first eleven months of the last Iranian fiscal year (March 21, 2014-Feb. 20), 7.42 percent less compared to the same months of the preceding year, according to the Iranian Customs Administration.

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Sara Rajabova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @SaraRajabova

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