Presidential aide: Azerbaijan, Iran should strengthen economic cooperation UPDATED / PHOTO

Azerbaijan and Iran should continue and strengthen economic cooperation, as well as bilateral relations, said the Azerbaijani presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev.

“We are a prosperous and developing country in the Eurasian region. We maintain multilateral cooperation with Türkiye, Russia, and Iran,” Hajiyev said during a panel at the Tehran Dialogue Forum on May 18, highlighting the importance of the 3+3 format in this context, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

The presidential aide emphasized the significance of enhancing the functionality of regional organizations, particularly mentioning the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC), and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC): “We also cooperate with Iran within the framework of the OIC, because the principle of Islamic solidarity is important to us.”

Hajiyev noted that Azerbaijan and Iran share a common historical heritage and can work together to develop joint partnership models: “We must not allow anyone else to impose their order on us — we must determine our own path toward prosperity and development.”

The presidential aide also spoke about the economic reforms being implemented in Azerbaijan and the international infrastructure projects underway. He underscored the need to utilize real opportunities to benefit both Azerbaijan and its partners. In this regard, he highlighted the importance of the North-South project, which is restructuring the transport corridor across Eurasia: “We should aim to build a new security architecture for ourselves and identify the projects to be implemented.”

Answering a question on Palestine, Hajiyev said: “The Organization of Islamic Cooperation is one of the most important institutions. Azerbaijan supports Islamic solidarity based on justice and international law. We support a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue in accordance with UN decisions and resolutions.”

He added that Azerbaijan, based on its diverse geopolitical identity, conducts active diplomacy in various regions, including the South Caucasus, the Caspian and Black Sea basins, the post-Soviet space, Central Asia, the Middle East, and others.

Commenting on the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the presidential aide stressed: “Azerbaijan has now created a new status quo and reality in the region. There are favorable conditions for peace. Our victory came at the cost of our people’s blood. The military aspects of Azerbaijan-Armenia relations — especially military aggression and occupation — have been removed from the agenda. The occupation was ended by military-political means. Azerbaijan wants to lead the region toward peace and stability.

We understand that a constitution is an internal matter for any country — as long as it does not pose a threat to another country or contain territorial claims. However, Armenia’s constitution still includes territorial claims against Azerbaijan, and this provision must be removed. Regional issues should be resolved by the countries of the region themselves. Unfortunately, some external forces are trying to interfere in the region and play geopolitical games.”

Following the meeting, Hajiyev wrote on X: "Pleased to address Tehran Dialogue Forum at 'one to one' format and talk about new global (dis)order, regional ownership and inclusiveness, further enhancement of Azerbaijan-Iran bilateral cooperation and elevating it to qualitatively new level as a follow up President Masud Pezeshkian’s visit to Azerbaijan and consolidation of peace and stability in the region of South Caucasus."

17:53, May 18

Azerbaijani presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev has emphasised that now is the crucial moment for peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia, insisting that military elements must be completely removed from the bilateral relations.                

He made this statement at the Tehran Dialogue Forum on May 18, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

“We have achieved good results and defined the boundaries of issues. Boundaries are not defined by occupation. We know that if the constitution of another country does not pose a threat, it is an internal matter of each state. The Constitution of Armenia should remove the provision that contains territorial claims against Azerbaijan,” Hajiyev noted.

He also stated that the presence of foreign military forces in the region is no longer necessary, as they interfere in affairs to advance their own interests.

Hajiyev went on to say that Azerbaijan continues to actively support economic cooperation with Iran.

He also supports multilateral cooperation with Türkiye, Russia, and Iran. Hajiyev emphasised the importance of strengthening bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Iran, especially in the economic sphere. Hajiyev noted that a conference aimed at building trust in Asia is planned for the future.

“Azerbaijan and Iran must develop economic cooperation and strengthen bilateral ties. We strive to preserve our geopolitical position,” he added.

Hajiyev also pointed out that there are trends toward division in the region, and Azerbaijan attaches special importance to strengthening ties in order to utilise real opportunities for the benefit of its partners.

“We need to create a special railway line and work together. We must identify projects that can be implemented,” he said.

Hajiyev also touched upon the importance of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), noting that this organisation is one of the most significant tools for Azerbaijan. “Azerbaijan places great importance on fair cooperation,” he added.

By Khagan Isayev