Azerbaijan, Iran forge strategic pact to boost trade, transport links

Azerbaijan and Iran have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) following the 17th session of the State Commission on cooperation in economic, trade, and humanitarian spheres, held in Baku.

The document was signed by the co-chairs of the session, Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev and Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadegh, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

The meeting focused on the current state of and prospects for bilateral cooperation across trade, economic development, transport, energy, water management, and humanitarian fields.

Speaking at the session, Mustafayev highlighted the completion of the Aghband-Kyalya automobile bridge on the Azerbaijan-Iran border. Once border and customs infrastructure is finalized, the bridge is expected to become operational. He emphasized that the project will provide the shortest and most efficient connection between the East Zangezur Economic Region and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan, while also forming a key segment of the road corridor linking the Persian Gulf with the Black Sea.

“The sides also paid particular attention to the development of the East-West and North-South transport corridors, the expansion of the region’s logistics and transit capacity, as well as the construction of the Rasht-Astara railway line, a central element of the international North–South transport corridor. Once operational, this line will significantly increase cargo volumes and reduce delivery times,” the Cabinet of Ministers noted.

The delegations further reviewed ongoing joint projects designed to strengthen the region’s logistics and transit potential and ensure energy sustainability, underscoring both countries’ commitment to deeper economic integration and regional connectivity.

By Vafa Guliyeva