Baku: On February 23, the 17th meeting of the State Commission on cooperation in economic, trade and humanitarian fields between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Islamic Republic of Iran was held in Baku, APA reports. The meeting was co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Shahin Mustafayev and Iran's Minister of Roads and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadegh. Authorized representatives of relevant institutions from both countries participated in the session.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the meeting emphasized that relations between Azerbaijan and Iran are rooted in shared historical, cultural, and religious values, as well as principles of friendship and good neighborliness. The dynamic development of bilateral ties was noted to rest on the political will of the two countries' leaders and to encompass all areas of cooperation. Discussions touched upon the current state and prospects of cooperation in trade and economy, transport, energy, water resources, humanitarian and other fields.
Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev highlighted the completion of the Aghband-Kalaleh road bridge construction, which is expected to become operational after finalizing border and customs infrastructure works. This project aims to connect the East Zangazur economic region with Nakhchivan via the shortest and most efficient route, forming a significant part of a transport corridor linking the Persian Gulf with the Black Sea.
The development of the East-West and North-South transport corridors, expansion of the region's logistics capabilities and transit potential, and the construction of the Rasht-Astara railway line were also extensively discussed. The railway line is considered a key component of the North-South corridor, expected to significantly increase freight volumes in the North-South direction and reduce delivery times.
The parties reviewed the implementation status of joint projects aimed at expanding logistics and transit potential and ensuring energy sustainability. At the conclusion of the meeting, the co-chairs signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the results of the Commission's session.