Interview of the newly appointed Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Azerbaijan, Mojtaba Demirchilu, to APA
– Mr. Ambassador, how do you assess the dynamics of political relations between Iran and Azerbaijan in recent times?
– In recent times, political relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan have followed a positive, constructive path based on mutual interests. Regular reciprocal delegation exchanges, high-level official meetings, and continuous political dialogue platforms clearly demonstrate that both Tehran and Baku attach exceptional importance to the comprehensive expansion of bilateral relations.
- With the successful resolution of the Karabakh conflict, the entire region has entered a new era that marks the beginning of lasting peace, sustainable stability, and economic progress. This remarkable factor is considered an invaluable and historic opportunity, for deepening cooperation and developing mutually beneficial relations particularly between the two brotherly and friendly states based on the principles of good-neighborliness. This new condition that have emerged in the regional context have created a favorable foundation for the comprehensive expansion of economic cooperation in the fields of transit, energy security, trade, investment, and humanitarian exchange, as well as for establishing strong solidarity in the region.
- What new initiatives are planned to increase the trade turnover between the two countries?
- Among the important planned initiatives, priority is given to simplifying connections between trade entities and entrepreneurs, accelerating cargo transportation, as well as establishing new and efficient mechanisms that envisage the use of modern communication technologies in economic cooperation. Signing new bilateral agreements to study the economic potential of both sides more thoroughly and to ensure a more prompt exchange of goods and services is also among the main strategic tasks of this process.
The project to deliver Azerbaijani gas to Nakhchivan via Iranian territory is underway
- How do you see the prospects of joint projects in the fields of energy, industry, and agriculture?
- Bilateral cooperation in the energy sector is successfully developing in the areas of electricity production and transmission. Both sides are promoting new projects for electricity generation and exchange. At the same time, the program on the trilateral integration of power grids between Iran, Azerbaijan, and the Russian Federation is in its final stage, which will allow energy exchange on a reciprocal basis when needed. Gas exchange — swap operations — is also continuing successfully. In particular, the project for delivering Azerbaijani gas to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic through the territory of Iran is underway.
In addition, discussions on the joint development and operation of hydrocarbon fields in the Caspian Sea are ongoing. Iran and Azerbaijan are keeping on the agenda the issue of completing and commissioning the Khudafarin and Giz Galasi hydroelectric power plants. These mentioned projects are not limited to contributing to electricity supply but also play an important strategic role in the efficient management of water resources and in the agricultural sector.
Iranian companies show strong interest in active participation in reconstruction projects in Karabakh.
In the industrial sector, cooperation between the companies of the two countries is successfully strengthening. Iranian companies, in particular, are showing special interest in actively participating in the projects for restoring the industrial infrastructure of Azerbaijan’s liberated territories in Karabakh. In addition, the participation of Iranian companies in industrial and construction exhibitions in Baku, including the “Baku Build 2025” exhibition, as well as negotiations on the export of goods and services, are key indicators of the sustainable development of cooperation in the industrial sector between the two countries.
- What specific agreements were reached at the last meeting of the Azerbaijan-Iran Intergovernmental Commission?
- At the last Joint Commission meeting held in January 2025 in Tehran, a wide range of cooperation between the two countries was carefully reviewed. The main focus of both sides was on strategic cooperation in the fields of energy security and transit. In addition, a number of significant consensus was reached on customs procedures, healthcare, agriculture, investment, tourism, and the exchange of science and culture. However, more important than the agreements and understandings reached is ensuring their consistent follow-up and full implementation. This will not only directly contribute to the social well-being of the citizens of both countries but also further strengthen the reliability of bilateral relations.
Araz Corridor means the further deepening of the opportunities created by Iran over the past 30 years to ensure Nakhchivan’s connection with Azerbaijan.
- What can you say about the current state of work on the Araz Corridor? At what stage are the works on the Iranian side at present?
The strategic project referred to as the Araz Corridor means the further deepening of the opportunities created by the Islamic Republic of Iran over the past thirty years to ensure the connection of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic with other regions of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The construction of the Agbend-Kalaleh automobile bridge is approaching its final stage, and it is expected to be commissioned by the end of the current year. The commissioning of the bridge will create the conditions for establishing a new border crossing point between the two countries, and this will significantly increase the potential for transport and trade cooperation. The work on widening, upgrading, and restoring the highway extending from the bridge toward Nakhchivan is also successfully ongoing. Although the construction of several tunnels located on this road is a process that requires complex engineering solutions and significant resources, the work is progressing successfully.
- How will this corridor affect economic and political relations in the region?
- This mentioned corridor, along with connecting the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic with other regions of Azerbaijan, also constitutes an important strategic segment of the international North–South transport routes. Due to this feature, it has the potential to play an extremely significant and fundamental role—both on a bilateral basis and at the regional level—in the development of trade and transport relations and in ensuring their sustainability.
- What major infrastructure projects are being implemented or planned within the Iran-Azerbaijan cooperation as part of the North–South transport corridor?
- The International North–South Transport Corridor is formed along three main routes:
The Eastern Route connects the Islamic Republic of Iran to Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation via Turkmenistan, and from there to the European continent; the Central Route uses the Caspian Sea to link Iran with the Russian Federation and subsequently toward Europe; while the Western Route integrates Iran with the Russian Federation and Northern European countries through the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
The Western route envisions the implementation of both road and railway transportation. The highway is currently fully operational and is actively used by various countries.
Regarding the railway segment, construction of the Rasht–Astara line is progressing successfully. There are two important infrastructure projects located in the city of Astara along this line: the Astara freight terminal is currently functioning efficiently. In this direction, a recent inspection of the facility was carried out with the participation of the deputy prime ministers of Russia and the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as Iran’s minister of roads and urban development.
The establishment of the Rasht–Astara railway line is considered a key strategic component of the North–South project, and according to expectations, the initial construction phase will commence early next year, approximately in March–April.
Cooperation between Iran and Azerbaijan is not limited only to the bilateral format
-How do you assess the results of the Azerbaijan-Iran-Russia trilateral meeting held in Baku?"
- The cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan is not limited only to the bilateral format. Both countries continue their cooperation actively and purposefully within multilateral platforms as well. Within the framework of the recent trilateral meeting, relevant working groups in the fields of customs and transportation were established with the participation of Iran’s Minister of Roads and Urban Development, and the Deputy Prime Ministers of Azerbaijan and Russia, and a principal agreement was reached on preparing a detailed roadmap for the development of trilateral cooperation.
After the intensive negotiations held in Baku, the delegations visited the Astara region and got acquainted on-site with the existing conditions and logistics infrastructure of both countries — Iran and Azerbaijan — in Astara. Agreements were reached with the aim of simplifying the movement of cargo vehicles and speeding up export-import operations of goods.
- What goals does Iran plan to achieve in international freight transportation through this corridor?
- The North–South International Transport Corridor is a route of exceptional strategic importance that stretches from India to the Russian Federation and toward Northern Europe. By passing through the territories of Iran and Azerbaijan, this corridor creates a wide range of significant cooperation opportunities for both countries. One of the main objectives of this cooperation is the optimization and substantial reduction of cargo transit time and costs. Additionally, this transregional initiative serves as a fundamental factor that contributes to strengthening the transport infrastructure of the countries located on the route, increasing the level of mutual benefit, and ultimately accelerating economic development across the entire region.
- What can you say about the impact of international sanctions against Iran on Iran–Azerbaijan economic relations?
- It must be noted with regret that some states, in order to achieve their political goals and impose their demands, prefer to use the instrument of sanctions, which even affects the well-being of ordinary citizens. However, international experience clearly shows that such illegal and unilateral restrictive measures are incapable of diverting independent states from their strategic path. Today, anyone visiting the Islamic Republic of Iran can clearly observe that despite the most severe sanctions regime, normal living conditions have been ensured in the country, and no essential shortages are seen in the market. At the same time, the continuing nature of the cooperation process between the two countries proves that such sanctions have not been able to halt the development of reliable relations based on friendship and mutual interests. Undoubtedly, the relations between the two countries will continue to expand successfully and deepen even further.
Iran reserves the right to take appropriate countermeasures to protect its supreme interests
- How would you describe the position of Tehran officials regarding the recent attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities?
- The Islamic Republic of Iran has achieved significant progress in the fields of science and technology. One of the important directions of these achievements is the use of nuclear energy exclusively for peaceful purposes. Iran’s activities in this field are carried out in full accordance with all international norms and under the relevant supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
I regret to state that the aggressive and occupying regime of Israel, with the support of the United States, has carried out a gross violation of international law by organizing military attacks against Iran’s nuclear facilities and, at the same time, against Iranian scientists. As a result of these attacks, numerous civilians, including women and children, have been martyred. The recent attacks are illegal, irresponsible, and an action that contradicts international law and the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
At the same time, the Islamic Republic of Iran declares that such terrorist and subversive steps cannot halt the country’s path of scientific and technological progress; on the contrary, they further strengthen the determination of the Iranian people to advance in the field of peaceful nuclear technologies. The responsibility for these attacks lies with their planners and sponsors. Iran reserves the right to take appropriate countermeasures, within its legitimate right to self-defense, to protect its national security and supreme interests.
In addition, Iran states to the international community that it is determined to continue transparent cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency and to remain firmly committed to the principles of using nuclear energy exclusively for peaceful purposes.
- How can such incidents affect the overall security and stability of the region?
- Undoubtedly, every action that increases tensions in the region — including provocative attacks, illegal military operations, and acts of terror — poses a serious threat to the sustainable security and stability of the entire region. The West Asia region has already faced prolonged crises and destabilizing foreign interventions, and the repetition of such actions has the potential to further escalate the situation.
According to the conceptual view of the Islamic Republic of Iran, regional security is an indivisible concept. This is a fundamental principle meaning that no country can consider itself fully secure if the sustainable security of its neighbors is not ensured. Therefore, Iran always firmly support the principle of collective security and regional cooperation against common threats.
If such actions are met with silence or indifference from the international community, it creates a dangerous situation for the region and the world. In this regard, it is expected that all countries, especially neighboring states, demonstrate a principled and unambiguous stance against the irresponsible actions of the Zionist regime and the United States of America, and support effective dialogue and constructive cooperation mechanisms to preserve lasting peace and stability.
According to the strategic view of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the only realistic way to ensure long-term security is not through confrontation and destruction, but through mutual respect, sincere dialogue, and the comprehensive expansion of constructive cooperation among the countries of the region.
Iran–Azerbaijan relations are not limited to intergovernmental ties
-In which specific areas does the Embassy of Iran in Azerbaijan contribute to the development of bilateral relations?
- The Embassy of Iran in Azerbaijan considers the development of comprehensive relations between the two countries as one of its main strategic duties and strives to play an active and constructive role in the political, economic, cultural, and scientific spheres.
The Embassy attaches special importance to promoting continuous dialogue between state institutions in the political and diplomatic spheres, organizing official meetings at various levels, and strengthening consultation mechanisms. We are confident that the continuity of direct contacts and open dialogue based on mutual respect is the most efficient and effective way to reinforce trust.
In the economic sphere, the Embassy makes intensive efforts to comprehensively expand trade relations, promote joint activities in the transport sector, and actively implement joint investment projects. Meetings held with business representatives and economic delegations create a favorable strategic foundation for the development of economic relations and joint projects between the two countries.
The Embassy strives to deepen mutual recognition between the peoples in the cultural and scientific spheres, as well as to strengthen public ties. For us, Iran-Azerbaijan relations are not limited only to intergovernmental ties; at the foundation of these relations lies the deep historical, linguistic, and cultural affinity that unites the two brotherly peoples.
In addition, the embassy is also actively working in the areas of expanding consular services, simplifying the movement of citizens, and developing tourism and humanitarian relations, and is ready to provide comprehensive support to all effective initiatives that serve to bring the two peoples closer together.
Overall, the main objective of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Azerbaijan is to strengthen the closeness between the two peoples, to develop relations between the two countries in all areas, and to ensure that this cooperation contributes both to the social well-being of the peoples and to peace, stability, and progress in the region.
- What new initiatives are planned regarding mutual cooperation in the fields of education, culture, and humanitarian affairs?
- Mutual cooperation between Iran and Azerbaijan in the fields of education, culture, and humanitarian affairs is being implemented and planned consistently with the aim of further strengthening bilateral relations, based on the deep historical, religious, and civilizational ties that unite the two brotherly nations. These mentioned new initiatives are consistently carried out in order to comprehensively develop relations with neighboring countries, especially with friendly and brotherly Azerbaijan mainly within the framework of Iran’s strategic foreign policy.
Steps are being taken to deepen mutual cultural understanding through the presentation of the rich heritage, culture, and art of both countries. A principled agreement has been reached on organizing an Iran Culture Week in the cities of Baku, Ganja, and Nakhchivan, and an Azerbaijan Culture Week in the cities of Tehran, Tabriz, Ardabil, and Urmia.
The agenda includes organizing joint exhibitions with the participation of renowned artists and craftsmen from both countries, expanding cooperation in the information field and increasing reciprocal official visits of media delegations, as well as the promotion of reciprocal visits of university staff, scholars, and intellectuals to Iran and Azerbaijan, the systematic deepening of scientific and academic cooperation, and ensuring Iran’s active and high-level participation in international education, culture, and media events held in Baku.
These initiatives are fully aligned with the strong political will and determination demonstrated by the leaders of both countries to elevate relations to a higher level and to strengthen lasting peace and sustainable stability in the region by making use of historical ties.
The number of flights to various cities of the two countries is planned to be significantly increased
- What steps are envisaged in the future to increase mutual tourism flow between Iran and Azerbaijan?
- Taking into account the historical, cultural, religious, linguistic and ethnic affinities, there is great and continuous interest in mutual visits between the peoples of the two countries, and the statistical indicators of recent years confirm this fact. Along with enabling the peoples to get to know each other more closely for the comprehensive development of tourism, simplifying the movement of citizens is a fundamental and necessary condition.
Optimizing and reducing travel time and expenses are among the main driving factors for the development of tourism. For this purpose, Iran has abolished the visa requirement for Azerbaijani citizens, and they can travel to Iran without any additional difficulties.
In addition, direct flights between the two countries were recently restored, and it is planned to significantly increase the number of flights to various cities of the two countries in the future. We also hope that the full opening of land borders will create conditions for simplifying and expanding mutual travel between the citizens of the two countries.
Photo - Rufat Mustafayev ©️ APA GROUP
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