Azerbaijani president: Regional issues must be resolved by countries of region

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev reaffirmed the principle that regional matters should be addressed by the countries of the region, rejecting external interference.

Aliyev made the remarks while receiving Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran on February 20, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

The Azerbaijani head of state underscored that Azerbaijan-Iran relations are built on deep-rooted historical, cultural, and religious ties, highlighting the recent intensification of bilateral engagements at various levels as a testament to their strong cooperation. He also commended the expansion of interparliamentary relations and expressed hope that the Speaker’s visit would further enhance bilateral ties.

During the discussions, President Aliyev stressed the strategic importance of regional connectivity projects, particularly the North-South transport corridor and the construction of the Aghband crossing, which is expected to bolster trade and logistics across the region.

Addressing broader geopolitical matters, President Aliyev reiterated Azerbaijan’s firm stance that regional issues should be resolved by regional states themselves, without external interference. He highlighted the significance of the 3+3 regional cooperation format, which brings together Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Iran, Russia, and Türkiye, as an essential mechanism for addressing challenges and fostering stability.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Iran’s support for regional countries taking ownership of their affairs and reiterating the importance of Azerbaijan-Iran cooperation within international organisations. He also noted the potential for further collaboration in key sectors such as economy, trade, science, and technology.

The meeting reaffirmed Azerbaijan and Iran’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations while advocating for a regional approach to resolving issues, ensuring stability, and advancing mutual development.

By Vugar Khalilov