Rouhani: Iran intends to expand relations with the Republic of Azerbaijan

Baku/09.12.20/Turan: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, at a meeting with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov, expressed his hope for using the new international situation to expand bilateral ties, calling the relationship between Tehran and Baku good and fraternal. This is stated in the message of IRNA. Rouhani expressed satisfaction with the end of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the liberation of the occupied lands of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the restoration of the ceasefire regime, and stated Iran's clear position in supporting the territorial integrity of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The Iranian president also pointed to the plan prepared by Tehran for the settlement of the Karabakh conflict and the trip of the country's special representative to Russia, the Republic of Azerbaijan and Armenia. He expressed the readiness of the Islamic Republic to play a constructive role in strengthening the ceasefire between the two countries and in establishing stability in the region.

“Taking into account the end of Donald Trump's term and the coming of the new administration to power in the United States, we will have a good situation for cooperation,” the Iranian chief executive said, stressing the need to use common borders to develop trade and economic cooperation. Rouhani noted that, taking into account the neighborhood and the capabilities of the Islamic Republic, Iran's participation in the restoration of the liberated territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan would benefit both countries.

He also stressed the need to accelerate the implementation of the previous agreements between Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan, including the construction of the Rasht-Astara railway. In addition, Rouhani said that conditions have been prepared for the implementation of joint projects, including for the creation of the Khudaferin hydroelectric complex and power plants. Both countries can develop cooperation in the industrial, scientific and pharmaceutical fields.

At this meeting Bayramov  thanked Iran for supporting the territorial integrity of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and called Iran a good and friendly neighbor. "The will of the leadership of the Republic of Azerbaijan is aimed at expanding universal ties with Iran," he said, adding that the liberation of the occupied territories of the country and the restoration of common borders with Iran will lead to new projects between the two countries. He also called the border of the Republic of Azerbaijan with Iran the border of friendship and development.

The Foreign Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan noted that given the new international situation and the lifting of restrictions due to US sanctions, joint projects between the two countries would soon be completed. He also strongly condemned the assassination of Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fahrizadeh, and called this act unacceptable. —0—