Rouhani: Iran-Azerbaijan share similar views against terrorism

Presidents of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan stressed their unanimity on mutual, regional, and international issues, as well as development of Tehran-Baku ties.

President Rouhani had a joint press conference with the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on Tuesday in Tehran and referred to 5 rounds of talks and discussions with him during the last 30 months, saying: “In each and every one of these meetings and negotiations, we witnessed development of ties between Iran and Azerbaijan”.

“In today’s meeting which is being held after the JCPOA and lift of sanctions, conditions are set for us to have joint activities in all areas” continued Dr Rouhani.

He added: “Joint commission of both countries has been very active during the recent two years, one of its positive results being 11 cooperation agreement signed between Tehran and Baku”.

He also described his negotiations with the President of Azerbaijan as “very fruitful and constructive” and said: “Today we discussed transit issues and south-to-north corridor and we will witness a huge development in this field by the end of 2016 through connecting Astara-Astara railway”.

He also said that negotiations were made on energy and joint exploitation of oil and gas in Caspian Sea, as well as cultural, academic, tourism, insurance, and banking issues, coupled with JVs in free zones.

Referring to cultural commonalities between the two nations, Dr Rouhani added: “Iran and Azerbaijan are unanimous in opinions about trying to confront Islamophobia in the region and the world”.

President also said that “both countries are now determined to develop cooperation in combating terrorism in the region”.

He added: “Both countries believe that regional issues have political solutions and resorting to military solutions cannot be of help in any of the matters”.

President Rouhani also said that Tehran and Baku have decided to have trilateral cooperation.
In this meeting, President Ilham Aliyev stressed the two countries’ unanimity in most fields and said: “We are determined to develop out ties and cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran more than before and the signed agreements will shape the path of future for us”.

Congratulating JCPOA official implementation and the lift of sanctions, Aliyev said: “Baku has always been opposed to the sanctions and have defended Iran’s rights in all international events”.

He also referred to developing Tehran-Baku ties and said: “Today the relations of the two countries are based on common historical and cultural bonds and they have turned into strategic relations”.

On terrorism, President Aliyev added: “Without a doubt, further development of ties between the two countries will result in strengthened peace and stability in the region”.

“We, too, believe that it is the people of Syria who should determine their country’s future” continued Azerbaijani President.



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