Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

Azerbaijani and Iranian high-ranking officials have explored ways to expand bilateral relations between the two countries.

Artur Rasizade, Azerbaijan’s prime minister met with visiting the Iranian delegation headed by Ali Rabee’i, Iranian minister of labor and social welfare on April 15, AzerTag news agency reported.

The sides discussed economic and cultural ties between Azerbaijan and Iran, noting that the mutual visits of officials played a positive role in the development of bilateral relations.

They also emphasized that there are ample opportunities in various fields for mutual beneficial cooperation, noting that joint projects in trade, transport, energy, as well as social services, pharmaceutical production, labor protection and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities, vocational education and other areas will be cost-effective.

Furthermore, touching upon international and regional cooperation, the fight against terrorism and extremism, Rasizade reminded the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

He stressed on the importance of settling the problem within the framework of international law, based on the principles of territorial integrity and inviolability of borders.

Armenia occupied over 20 percent of Azerbaijan's internationally recognized territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent regions, after laying territorial claims against its South Caucasus neighbor that led to a lengthy war in the early 1990s. The UN Security Council has adopted four resolutions calling on Armenia's withdrawal from Azerbaijani territories, but they have not been enforced to this day.

During the meeting, the sides also exchanged views on a number of other issues of mutual interest.

Ali Hasanov, Azerbaijan’s deputy prime minister and chairman of the state committee for refugees and IDPs also attended the meeting.

Iran and Azerbaijan have had diplomatic relations since 1918. Iran recognized Azerbaijan's independence in 1991, and diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1992.

Currently, the two countries are focused on expanding their economic ties, developing cooperation in various fields -- industry, agriculture, energy, alternative energy and transportation.

Tehran has in recent years focused seriously on developing ties with neighboring countries, including Azerbaijan which enjoys various commonalities with Iran -- religious, historical and cultural.

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Sara Rajabova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @SaraRajabova

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