Iran and Azerbaijan presidents meet in Bishkek to deepen bilateral ties

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit to discuss bilateral ties and regional developments. The meeting focused on reviewing the latest developments and trends of cooperation between Tehran and Baku. Both leaders emphasized the need to take advantage of existing capacities to develop and deepen bilateral relations in various fields.

President Pezeshkian arrived in Bishkek on Monday to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and Shanghai Plus Summit. He was welcomed by Kyrgyzstan's deputy cabinet chairman upon arrival. His two-day visit is centered on the summit of heads of state from the SCO and Shanghai Plus, where he is scheduled to deliver a speech and hold bilateral meetings with several participating leaders.

On the sidelines of the summit, Pezeshkian is also expected to hold bilateral talks with the presidents of Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan. At the invitation of the Kyrgyz president, the Iranian president will also attend the official opening ceremony of the sixth World Nomad Games during his trip.

The meeting between Pezeshkian and Aliyev underscores the ongoing efforts by Iran and Azerbaijan to strengthen their bilateral relations. The two countries have shared historical, cultural, and economic ties, and both have expressed interest in expanding cooperation in trade, energy, and transportation sectors.

According to Mehr News Agency, the meeting was part of the broader diplomatic engagements during the SCO summit, which brings together leaders from member states to discuss regional security, economic cooperation, and other mutual interests. The SCO includes China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and several Central Asian countries, with Iran recently becoming a full member.

The visit also highlights Iran's active participation in regional multilateral forums despite international sanctions. The SCO provides a platform for Iran to engage with regional powers and explore economic and political cooperation.

In addition to bilateral meetings, President Pezeshkian is expected to deliver a speech at the summit, outlining Iran's views on regional and international issues. The World Nomad Games, which showcase traditional sports and culture of nomadic peoples, will be another highlight of his visit, reflecting cultural diplomacy.

The meeting between the Iranian and Azerbaijani presidents is seen as a positive step toward resolving any outstanding issues and enhancing mutual trust. Both countries have faced challenges in their relationship in the past, but recent high-level contacts suggest a willingness to move forward.

Overall, the Bishkek meeting is part of a series of diplomatic activities by the Iranian president to bolster ties with neighboring and regional countries, aiming to reduce isolation and promote economic cooperation.

According to Mehr News Agency, the discussions were held in a constructive atmosphere, and both leaders expressed commitment to furthering bilateral cooperation for the benefit of their nations.