Hamid Khoshayand – Regional Affairs Expert

The Islamic Republic of Iran maintains a clear policy toward neighboring countries, including the Republic of Azerbaijan, based on expanding and deepening bilateral cooperation, despite existing obstacles and challenges in their relations, which are primarily influenced by external and trans-regional interfering factors.

The recent visit of our country’s president, leading a high-ranking delegation to the Republic of Azerbaijan, in line with the “Neighborhood First” policy, is a valuable opportunity for both sides to expand bilateral relations in all fields. This visit, which took place after six years, demonstrated that the Islamic Republic of Iran attaches special importance to the Republic of Azerbaijan among neighboring countries and the South Caucasus. Despite existing misunderstandings between the two countries, Iran pursues a realistic and strategic approach toward Azerbaijan to redefine bilateral relations.

As evident from the warm atmosphere of the meeting and discussions between the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the President of Azerbaijan, as well as the holding of meetings between economic, trade, and other delegations of the two countries, Azerbaijan is a nation with familial ties and shared affinities with Iran.

In addition to the usual programs, trade meetings, and the signing of seven memoranda of understanding in political, transportation, cultural exchange, health cooperation, media, and investment fields, this visit had another significant achievement that, if operationalized, could transform relations between the two countries: The two sides agreed to draft a comprehensive strategic program to expand economic, cultural, scientific, industrial, political, and security cooperation between Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan. This program was also introduced as a framework for deepening bilateral relations.

During the recent visit of the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Republic of Azerbaijan, it was evident that the shared capacities of Tehran and Baku for developing comprehensive relations are exceptional. The two countries share a civilizational sphere and long borders, with geographic and geopolitical interdependence. However, due to various internal and external reasons, they have not been able to optimally utilize their capacities to expand and deepen bilateral relations befitting their neighborly ties. Hopefully, this visit and the determination shown by both sides will maximize the use of existing potential.

The two sides agreed to draft a comprehensive strategic program while acknowledging that the opportunities and existing capacities between the two countries to facilitate and accelerate the realization of a strategic partnership are abundant. These include:

“Low-cost and easy” exchange processes

Land, sea, air, and railway routes

Long shared borders

The presence of at least five central and active customs offices at the land borders (including Jolfa, Astara, Bilasuvar, Poldasht, and Khoda Afarin)

Access via the Caspian Sea to customs and ports in the northern part of the country

The Aras Free Trade and Economic Zone at the Jolfa border between the two countries

Joint border markets and proximity of production and consumption centers

Similarities in consumer tastes and culture, among others.

The Islamic Republic of Iran, in a friendly and warm atmosphere, is ready to engage with the Republic of Azerbaijan in economic, political, technological, defense, military, and other fields, and is prepared to share its experiences in health, medical sciences, and technology.

Finally, the visit of our president to the Republic of Azerbaijan sends a message to opponents of friendly relations between the two countries and other regional and trans trans-regional actors: Iran and Azerbaijan can manage their differences through understanding and dialogue. The converging factors and variables in their relations are so significant that they should not be overshadowed by misunderstandings and disagreements that can easily be resolved. The following statement by our president, Masoud Pezeshkian, during his meeting with Ilham Aliyev carries an essential message for the people and government of the Republic of Azerbaijan: “When I am in the Republic of Azerbaijan, I feel like I am among my people, as if I am in Tabriz or Ardabil. This sense of closeness and brotherhood is a great asset for developing economic, cultural, scientific, and security ties between our two countries.”