Russia credits Azerbaijan for crucial assistance in Iran evacuation

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk has praised Azerbaijan for its key role in supporting the evacuation of Russian citizens from Iran, highlighting both humanitarian assistance and the broader strength of bilateral relations.

Speaking at the 24th meeting of the intergovernmental commission on Azerbaijan–Russia cooperation held in Zangilan, Azerbaijan, Overchuk stated that Azerbaijan provided rapid and effective assistance that enabled the evacuation of more than 500 Russian nationals from Iran, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

He noted that this was accompanied by the delivery of humanitarian supplies into Iran, including medicines and food products.

The Russian official expressed special gratitude to Azerbaijan’s leadership and to President Ilham Aliyev, stressing that the country demonstrated strong hospitality and sincerity throughout the process.  

“Azerbaijan is distinguished by its hospitality and sincerity. We are grateful for the assistance in evacuating our citizens from Iran and delivering humanitarian aid,” the Russian Deputy PM stressed.

He underlined that despite the Nowruz holiday period, Azerbaijani authorities promptly created all necessary conditions for the evacuation and logistics operations.

Overchuk added that this level of coordination reflects the high standard of relations between the two countries, reinforcing trust and operational cooperation in crisis situations.

Beyond the humanitarian agenda, Overchuk also emphasised the strategic importance of the North–South transport corridor for Eurasia, describing transport cooperation as one of the core pillars of bilateral ties.

“Strengthening transport links across Eurasia, particularly cooperation within the International North–South Transport Corridor, remains a priority direction. New value-added chains are currently being formed along this route. The development of the western route of the corridor and the implementation of previously reached agreements are in focus,” he noted.

By Jeyhun Aghazada