Azerbaijani, Iranian presidential aides discuss ties, regional cooperation in Tehran Details of important negotiations

Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, held discussions in Tehran with Mehdi Sanaei, Political Advisor to the Iranian President, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties and regional cooperation.

During the meeting, both officials reaffirmed their commitment to fostering deeper relations between Azerbaijan and Iran, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

As reported by Iranian media, during the meeting, the necessity of expanding bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Iran was emphasised.

Hikmet Hajiyev, who arrived in Tehran at the invitation of the Iranian President’s Political Advisor Mehdi Sanaei, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to developing comprehensive relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran. He stated: "The Republic of Azerbaijan is interested in developing political, economic and cultural relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran in a neighborly atmosphere, without any restrictions and for mutual benefits. The key point in the relations between the two countries is strengthening trust-building and trying to eliminate misunderstandings."

The Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan particularly stressed that Azerbaijan does not and will not pose any threat to Iran.

In turn, Sanaei noted that Azerbaijan is not only an important and valued neighbour for the Islamic Republic of Iran but also a country with which Iran shares deep historical, familial, and friendly ties. He added:

"The level of relations between the two countries is not suitable for both sides and should go beyond the mere diplomatic format and expand to other public and private areas. Deepening people-to-people contacts will have a great impact on facilitating cooperation. The strategy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in relations with its neighbors, including the Republic of Azerbaijan, is to establish strategic relations and away from any tension."

Sanaei also noted that the volume of trade and economic relations between the two countries remains insufficient and emphasised the need for active engagement of citizens and the business community in their development:

"The volume of trade exchanges between the two countries is very small, and we must try to involve people and businessmen in the development and expansion of cultural and economic relations by defining macro-economic and trade projects. There is the capacity and necessary platforms to create an economic connection and a trade network for the benefit of the two countries."

By Vugar Khalilov