Envoy calls on Iranian businessmen to expand co-op with Azerbaijan

/By AzerNews/

By Sara Rajabova

Tehran’s ambassador has called on Iranian businessmen to develop comprehensive relations with Azerbaijan.

Mohsen Pakayin noted that the private sectors of the two countries should expand ties through the chambers of commerce, the Iranian embassy in Baku told Trend.

“I call on the owners of industrial enterprises, investors, Iranian businessmen working in the fields of oil, gas, petrochemical, construction, health, tourism, choose as a priority the development of relations with Azerbaijan,” Pakayin said.

He also said new opportunities for cooperation have been created between Iran and Azerbaijan, and both countries should utilize avenues for the development of comprehensive relations.

“The will of the leadership of both countries is directed to comprehensive development. Iran’s establishing new relations with the world, the positive opinion of the international community on the Islamic Republic, achievements in the fields of science, technology, infrastructure, and the great economic potential of Iran pave the way for cooperation with neighboring countries, particularly with Azerbaijan,” Pakayin said.

He added that Iran and Azerbaijan conduct this policy for the sake of mutual interests.

“The short distance between the two countries, minor transportation costs, the demand for various products on the markets of both countries pave the way for the development of relations,” the ambassador said.

Pakayin said relations between the two friendly and brotherly countries have a bright future.

Azerbaijan and Iran have had diplomatic relations since 1918. Iran recognized Azerbaijan's independence in 1991, and diplomatic relations between the two countries were reestablished in 1992.

Currently, the two countries are focused on expanding their economic ties and developing cooperation in various fields—industry, agriculture, energy, alternative energy, and transportation.

Tehran has in recent years focused on expanding ties with neighboring countries, including Azerbaijan, which enjoys religious, historical, and cultural commonalities with Iran.

Azerbaijan was the 12th leading importer of Iranian non-oil goods in the previous Iranian calendar year, which ended on March 20, 2015, according to the Iran Customs Administration.

The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Iran amounted to $47.22 million for the first five months of 2015. At the same time, supplies from Iran to Azerbaijan accounted for $36.95 million.