Azerbaijan, Iran highlight strategic importance of transportation corridors at ECO summit

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi have discussed the issues related to Azerbaijani-Iranian cooperation within the 28th session of the Council of Ministers of the Economic Cooperation Organisation.

The two sides also discussed joint projects in the fields of economy, trade, energy, transport, and communications, as well as regional and international security issues, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry told Caliber.Az.

Bayramov congratulated the Iranian side on organising the 28th meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Economic Cooperation Organisation at a high level and successfully chairing the organisation. He emphasised the importance of high-level dialogues for advancing cooperation between their countries, which are bound by historical friendship and good neighbourliness.

The significance of several initiatives in the energy sector and transportation corridors, as well as the importance of implementing the agreements was highlighted. The sides discussed the importance of regional transportation and infrastructure projects that will connect the East Zangezur Economic Region with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan through Iranian territory. 

They also underscored the need to strengthen cooperation within regional and international platforms such as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the Economic Cooperation Organisation. During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest.

The ECO, which was founded in 1985 in Tehran by Iran, Pakistan, and Türkiye, is dedicated to promoting sustainable economic development, regional cooperation, and the integration of member nations into the global economy. The organisation focuses on improving trade relations, strengthening infrastructure, protecting the environment, and encouraging cultural exchanges.

A key milestone in the organisation’s efforts was the 27th meeting of the ECO Council of Ministers, held in Shusha, Azerbaijan, on October 10, 2023. The meeting, chaired by Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, reviewed the activities of the organisation since the previous session. The ministers also addressed the emerging global challenges and emphasised the importance of coordinating efforts to mitigate the impact of these issues on the region's socio-economic development. One of the highlights of the meeting was the adoption of the “Shusha Declaration,” which outlined key policy directions for enhancing regional cooperation in various sectors.

By Naila Huseynova