Pezeshkian calls for expanded Iran-Azerbaijan rail and transport links in meeting with Azerbaijani deputy PM

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met with Shahin Mustafayev, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan, on Tuesday evening in Tehran. During the meeting, Pezeshkian highlighted the expanding relations between the two countries and emphasized the need to fully utilize existing potentials to deepen and develop ties between Tehran and Baku.

Pezeshkian described Azerbaijan as holding special importance in Iran's neighborhood policy, stating, "We are like relatives and brothers; we must further expand relations and connectivity between our two countries by relying on the potentials and our shared border." He pointed to extensive bonds across various sectors, adding that scientific, cultural, economic, political, and security relations are deeply intertwined and must be further deepened through joint effort and commitment. The President stressed that borders should not become obstacles to the development of relations, and that the shared border and respective geographical locations should be used to enhance interaction and expand bilateral cooperation.

Pezeshkian expressed satisfaction with the understandings reached during Mustafayev's visit, specifically in meetings with Iran's Ministers of Roads and Urban Development and Energy. He called for accelerating their implementation, stating, "We hope that, through the serious commitment and follow-up of both sides, these agreements will enter the implementation phase as soon as possible." He identified the development of transport and communication routes as a key means of connecting the two countries and their peoples, noting that land, air, and rail links must be further expanded. According to Pezeshkian, the more these routes are interconnected and strengthened, the greater the opportunities will be to enhance and solidify ties between the two peoples. He added that through cooperation and shared will, steps must be taken to materialize the goals agreed upon by both countries and secure mutual interests.

Mustafayev expressed pleasure at meeting the Iranian President and presented a report on his agenda, his meetings with different Iranian ministers, and the understandings reached. He emphasized his country's determination to further expand relations with Iran and underscored the necessity of following up on and implementing the agreements and understandings reached between the two nations. Mustafayev also highlighted the shared resolve of Tehran and Baku to develop cooperation in transport and communications, stressing the importance of strengthening transport routes and corridors and leveraging existing potential in this sector.

According to Mehr News, the meeting underscored both sides' commitment to advancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in transport and connectivity, with follow-up on recent agreements expected to continue.