Then the presidents took part in a ceremony to commission the "Khudafarin" hydroelectric complex and inaugurate the "Giz Galasi" hydroelectric complex on the Araz River.
“The opening of the "Giz Galasi" hydroelectric complex and the commissioning of the “Khudafarin” hydroelectric complex are historic events,” said President Aliyev in the ceremony.
The head of state expressed his gratitude to all Iranian experts, workers and friends who participated in the construction of this huge facility.
“Today, the whole world can see how strong Iran-Azerbaijani friendship is. This friendship has deep roots and a deep history,” the Azerbaijani leader said.
“For centuries, the peoples of Iran and Azerbaijan have lived and created together, and I think that the interstate relations built on this solid foundation have reached the highest level,” added the head of state.
“Iranian-Azerbaijani friendship and brotherhood are an important factor for the stability of the region and for the strengthening of future security,” President Aliyev said.
The head of state emphasized: “We support each other in all international organizations of which we are members, and we will continue to do so.”
“We have major plans in the field of energy. As already mentioned, the construction of two 280 megawatt hydropower plants is scheduled here,” President Aliyev added.
The head of state noted that equal distribution of energy will also benefit both countries (Azerbaijan and Iran – ed.).
“The liberated Karabakh and East Zangezur regions, as well as the Nakhchivan region, have been declared “green energy” zones in Azerbaijan. These regions make up about 25 percent of our territory,” said President Aliyev.
“The creation of “green energy” sources in these regions will benefit the entire region,” the head of state underlined.
“Now the process of defining the borders between Armenia and Azerbaijan is underway. We are seeing the initial positive results of this process,” said President Aliyev.
“I believe that this is reassuring because it gives hope that finally, after a long break, a peace agreement can be signed between Azerbaijan and Armenia. We welcome Iran's support on this issue,” underlined the Azerbaijani leader.
“The development of the region must be secured through the will of the peoples living in the countries of the region. The interference of non-regional countries in our affairs is unacceptable,” said President Aliyev.
“If anyone – leaders of countries thousands of kilometers away from here – want to achieve any results in this region, let them talk to us. Inappropriate and unnecessary intervention has not brought about and will not bring about any results,” the head of state added.
“I believe that Armenia should not take a wrong step. Regional issues should be resolved with the direct participation and determination of regional countries,” said President Aliyev during the ceremony.
“For many years, Armenia relied on the protection and support of countries located far from here. What was the result? The result was not very reassuring for them. The states of the region are strong states, they are states that conduct an independent policy. No outside force has ever succeeded in influencing the determination of these states, and they will not. I do hope that Armenia contributes to regional cooperation, not damage it, by conducting the right policy,” added the head of state.
“The future development of Iran-Azerbaijan relations is also very positive,” said President Aliyev.
“The Iran-Azerbaijan unity and friendship is unshakable. No one can drive a wedge between us. These efforts are in vain, and we are proving it again with today's ceremony,” the head of state added.
Meanwhile, addressing the ceremony, Iran's President Raisi said: “We, of course, are brotherly, neighbouring and friendly countries. Iran's relationship with Azerbaijan is more than a relationship with a neighbor. It is a kinship."
“This connection and bond is a very strong, it is a very deep bond. This bond, this relationship is based on the deep historical, cultural and religious ties between the two countries,” said the Iranian President.
