During the meeting of the heads of the Joint Committee for Economic Cooperation between Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Shahin Mustafayev emphasized the friendly and fraternal relations between Tehran and Baku. He noted that despite regional tensions, cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan is developing in various fields, and this trend will continue.
The meeting discussed priority issues and prospects for interaction between the two countries, including trade, logistics, transport, and energy aspects. Mustafayev reported an increase in trade volume between Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as a growth in cargo transportation within the International North-South Corridor.
The Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan continued that joint projects in all areas of cooperation are moving forward, and the current status of the implementation of these projects was reviewed at the meeting. In particular, he mentioned that the construction of the bridge over the Aras River, the Agband-Kalaleh project, and the railway freight terminal in Astara are almost complete, and they discussed its opening with his Iranian counterpart for prompt commissioning.
The Iranian Minister of Transport and Urban Development, mentioning the growth in trade turnover over the last six months, stated that infrastructure development and the removal of obstacles contribute to maintaining this trend. He also noted that the Jolfa-Kalaleh route expansion project could increase transport capacity and trade volume between the two states.
According to IRNA, Farjane Sadeghi reported at the meeting that she received Shahin Mustafayev, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Chairman of the Joint Economic Committee of the two countries. She emphasized that relations between Iran and Azerbaijan are friendly, fraternal, and strategic.
The Minister of Transport and Urban Development also noted that over the past six months, there has been an increase in trade turnover between Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan, despite problems caused by the war in the region, and that efforts are focused on maintaining this trend by developing infrastructure and removing barriers.
Sadeghi added that the Islamic Republic of Iran is seriously advancing the Jolfa-Kalaleh route expansion project, which will help increase transport potential and trade volume. Previously, in early September, Farjane Sadeghi and Shahin Mustafayev held a phone conversation to review recent developments in bilateral relations and explore ways to expand economic ties, especially in transit, energy, and border infrastructure.
Both sides highly appreciated the growing trend in bilateral relations and stressed the need to continue high-level consultations. The Minister of Transport and Urban Development called for accelerating the establishment of joint committees to monitor and implement decisions made at specialized meetings in the gas, electricity, and transport sectors.
Emphasizing that restoring damaged routes was a priority despite regional difficulties, she noted that the process of completing current infrastructure projects continues uninterrupted. Strengthening relations between Tehran and Baku, according to her, is due to the will of the presidents of the two countries and close interaction of executive officials at various levels.
Shahin Mustafayev also expressed satisfaction with the progress of railway projects during the call, noting that the railway route within Azerbaijan up to the Agband region is completed, and after the completion of the section in Iran, there will be a significant transformation of the region's transit and logistical potential. He highly praised the determination of the Iranian government to revive and activate transit corridors.
In conclusion, the sides exchanged views on recent regional events and stressed the importance of deepening strategic and economic cooperation as the basis for stability and development in the region. As a result of a series of agreements, infrastructure projects, and measures to simplify customs procedures, Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan are actively expanding bilateral trade and transit cooperation, positioning themselves as strategic partners in the connections between the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Persian Gulf.
The center of this economic rapprochement is the Bileh Savar border crossing in the northwestern province of Ardabil, Iran—a 24-hour customs point that has become a vital artery for trade. In the last year alone, this crossing registered exports worth $268 million, demonstrating an increasing capacity to handle increased commercial volumes, which is particularly important against the backdrop of external pressure and regional instability.