Iran’s president holds strategy meeting ahead of landmark trip to Azerbaijan

In preparation for his upcoming official visit to Azerbaijan, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian convened a high-level coordination meeting with senior government officials and advisers.

The meeting brought together a broad group of key figures, including the head of the Central Bank, Pezeshkian’s political advisers, several ministers, and the governors of provinces bordering Azerbaijan, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

The session focused on reviewing the current status of Iran-Azerbaijan relations and identifying new avenues for bilateral cooperation.

Participants examined a detailed report on recent developments in diplomatic and economic ties and explored prospects for expanding collaboration in sectors such as trade, energy, transportation, and tourism.

President Pezeshkian underscored the enduring cultural and historical bonds between Iran and Azerbaijan, emphasising the "great potential for developing cooperation" between the neighbouring countries. He stressed that enhanced coordination not only between the two governments but also among the private sectors and local populations could serve as a catalyst for mutual economic growth.

The Iranian president is scheduled to visit Azerbaijan on April 28. His delegation will include between 110 and 120 individuals, comprising senior officials, representatives of the private sector, and businessmen from Iran’s northwestern provinces, especially Ardabil. The governors of four Iranian provinces that share borders or close proximity with Azerbaijan will also join the trip.

Some members of the Iranian delegation are expected to arrive in Azerbaijan ahead of President Pezeshkian’s visit. The program is expected to include comprehensive discussions on cross-border trade facilitation, investment opportunities, and broader regional cooperation.

This will mark Pezeshkian’s first official visit to Azerbaijan since assuming office and comes amid growing bilateral interest in strengthening economic ties and regional integration.

By Tamilla Hasanova