Baku: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received a delegation led by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran, on June 24, APA reports. President Aliyev extended his condolences to the people of Iran for the recent hardships endured during the war, and emphasized Azerbaijan's solidarity with Iran during these challenging times.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, President Aliyev highlighted the support Azerbaijan provided to Iran during the war, including telephone conversations with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian and other expressions of solidarity. He welcomed the cessation of the war and expressed hope for lasting peace in the region, noting the shared history of suffering from wars that both Azerbaijan and Iran have endured.

President Aliyev fondly recalled Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf's previous visit to Azerbaijan and underscored the significance of his participation in the 20th Session of the Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States. He expressed confidence in the strengthening of Islamic solidarity and mentioned the upcoming OIC Summit hosted by Azerbaijan next year.

The Azerbaijani President also highlighted the visit as an opportunity to discuss bilateral issues, noting the successful development of Azerbaijan-Iran relations. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf expressed his satisfaction with the meeting and conveyed greetings from President Masoud Pezeshkian to President Aliyev, who reciprocated with his own greetings.

Ghalibaf expressed gratitude for Azerbaijan's support during Iran's difficult period and for President Aliyev's visit to the Iranian Embassy in Baku to offer condolences over the deaths of the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and others. He appreciated the humanitarian aid provided by Azerbaijan and emphasized the lasting memory of Azerbaijan's support among the Iranian people.

The Speaker acknowledged the enduring support between Azerbaijan and Iran, describing it as a manifestation of unity and solidarity. He highlighted the importance of relations with Muslim countries, noting that the conflict had revealed Iran's true friends and foes, with Azerbaijan standing as a steadfast ally.

The discussions also covered the dynamic development of Azerbaijan-Iran relations, completion of the Aghband-Kelaleh bridge, and the Araz Corridor, which is expected to enhance regional transport opportunities. The meeting concluded with a focus on interparliamentary cooperation and the activities of the intergovernmental commission.