Baku – President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan announced the upcoming initiation of direct flights from Azerbaijan to several cities in Iraq, marking a significant development in travel and trade relations between the two countries. This announcement was made during a joint press statement with Iraqi President Abdullatif Jamal Rashid in Baku, as reported by APA.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the decision to establish direct flights to Kirkuk, Erbil, and Basra follows the successful start of the first direct flight between the capitals of Azerbaijan and Iraq. This development comes as part of broader discussions to enhance mutual trade and cooperation, particularly in the energy sector.

President Aliyev also mentioned that an Azerbaijani delegation is scheduled to visit Baghdad in two weeks to participate in a new round of the intergovernmental commission meeting, further indicating the strengthening of bilateral ties. The establishment of these direct flights is expected to significantly boost tourism and facilitate easier travel between the two nations, with discussions also underway to streamline visa processes.