Azerbaijan-Iran Business Forum: President Aliyev calls for joint industrial ventures, infrastructure development

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev emphasized the deepening ties between Azerbaijan and Iran following the successful outcomes of an official visit by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Addressing the Azerbaijan-Iran business forum in Baku, President Aliyev underscored the importance of the agreements reached and the documents signed, which he described as reaffirming the "friendship and brotherhood" between the two nations, Caliber.Az reports via AZERTAC.

“The agreements reached during the visit and the documents signed reaffirm the friendship and brotherhood between Iran and Azerbaijan. In short, this official visit has yielded highly positive political outcomes,” President Aliyev stated, highlighting the significance of the diplomatic achievements during the visit.

The forum also saw discussions on key international projects that Azerbaijan and Iran are jointly involved in. President Aliyev emphasized the close cooperation between the two nations in the North-South transport corridor, a major infrastructure initiative aimed at improving connectivity between Iran, Azerbaijan, and beyond.

“Azerbaijan and Iran also participate in important international projects. We are closely cooperating on the North-South transport corridor,” said President Aliyev. He added, “We want this to not only be a transport corridor, but also to create opportunities for the opening of new businesses and the creation of new industrial enterprises along the route, both in Azerbaijan and in Iran.”

During his address, President Aliyev also invited Iranian companies to participate in key infrastructure projects currently being implemented in Azerbaijan. These projects, ranging from railways and highways to power lines and communication networks, are at the forefront of Azerbaijan’s development agenda.

Many infrastructure projects are being implemented in Azerbaijan through state channels. We invite Iranian companies to participate in these projects,” Aliyev stated.

“Railways, highways, communication lines, power lines—these projects are at the forefront of our agenda today,” the president emphasized.

One of the most anticipated developments discussed was the Araz Corridor project, which aims to connect the main part of Azerbaijan to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic through Iran. President Aliyev addressed various speculations and rumors surrounding the project, emphasizing that it is a critical initiative with significant regional and global implications.

“The Araz Corridor project is attracting significant attention, both in our region and globally. Various speculations and rumors are circulating about this project. In fact, there is no basis for this, as it is simply a new transportation and connectivity project,” President Aliyev underlined.

 He further elaborated that the Araz Corridor will not only provide Azerbaijan with crucial transit opportunities but also play an essential role in fostering deeper integration between Azerbaijan and Iran, creating pathways for economic growth, trade, and cultural exchange.

By Vafa Guliyeva