Rouhani: Iran, Azerbaijan to fully broaden bilateral ties

President Rouhani made the remarks in a meeting with visiting Azeri President Ilham Aliyev who is currently in Iran to attend meetings between Iranian, Azeri and Russian presidents.

'We are very happy to witness that in addition to the expansion of relations between Tehran and Baku; we are also witnessing firm determination of all officials in Iran, Russia and Azerbaijan for the expansion of trilateral relations between these countries and turning Tehran-Baku relations into an exemplary model for mutual and regional ties,' President Rouhani said.

Relations between Tehran and Baku have been developed in recent years due to both sides' historical and religious commonalities, President Rouhani said, adding that relations between the two governments are far away from historical affinities between the two nations.

Talks and exchange of views between the two sides' high-ranking delegations are positive, he said, adding that economic ties and cooperation between Iran and Azerbaijan have had a very remarkable progress and both sides should spare no effort to meet both sides' demands in line with their capabilities.

Expansion of economic relations depends on having very good banking relations and cooperation and both sides should do their utmost to broaden banking cooperation, he said.

The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to broaden cooperation with Azerbaijan in various sectors such as industry, agriculture, energy swap in oil, gas, exploitation and oil processing in Caspian Sea region, President Rouhani said.

Launching of Astara-Astara railroad is regarded as the first step in broadening transit cooperation between Iran and Azerbaijan, he said.

Construction of Rasht-Astara railroad will play significant role in the transit route connecting South-North corridor, he said, adding that the transit route can facilitate shipment of goods via Oman Sea and Persian Gulf to Caucasus and Eastern Europe.

Iran and Azerbaijan can use their national currencies for trade exchanges between the two countries and even with a third neighboring country, Rouhani said.

Fight against terrorism and maintaining stability and security of the region should be heeded by both countries, he said.

On regional developments, Rouhani said Syria and Yemen have been located in a geographical location that requires more political efforts to help restore stability and calmness.

It is among duties of all Muslims to help displaced Muslims in Myanmar and the role and close cooperation between Iran and Azerbaijan to this end is of prime importance, Rouhani said.

President Rouhani underlined that regional disputes should be resolved through negotiations within international rules and regulations as continuation of discords will harm people as well as countries in the region.

Azeri president, for his part, thanked the hospitality of the Islamic Republic of Iran in setting up trilateral meeting between heads of Iran, Russia and Azerbaijan and said talks and exchange of views between the countries high-ranking officials for expansion of relations and cooperation will be underway.

Expansion of cooperation between Iran, Russia and Azerbaijan in transportation and North-South corridor will help broaden scope of such cooperation, Azeri president said.

On fight against terrorism, he said the Islamic Republic of Iran plays vital role in restoring stability and security in the region.

On people in Myanmar, he said Azerbaijan is ready to cooperate with Iran to dispatch humanitarian aid to the country.

END