Document for Tehran-Baku cooperation in dealing with natural disasters to be drafted: Official

Tehran, IRNA - Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni says that Iran and Azerbaijan are drafting an official pact to strengthen their partnership in managing natural disasters.

Speaking in a meeting with the Minister of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Kamaladdin Heydarov, Momeni pointed out that the region is subject to natural incidents and crises, and revealed that a formal agreement on joint disaster response between the two nations is being prepared and operationalized.

Referring to the historical relations and various commonalities between the two sides, he said that the Republic of Azerbaijan enjoys priority in the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Noting that floods, earthquakes, and other natural crises affect both countries alike, he underlined the importance of deepening ties at all levels.

The two countries enjoy over 700 kilometers of land borders, which requires their interactions to increase at all levels, he stated.

Momeni appreciated Azerbaijan’s assistance during the coronavirus, earthquake, and fire in Khoy, as well as that country’s announcement of readiness to contain the fire in the Hyrcanian forests.

Emphasizing the significance of joint exercises, particularly in the Caspian region, Momeni invited the Azerbaijani minister to visit Tehran in order to expand interactions between the two ministries.

Meanwhile, Heydarov stressed the increase of interactions in the scientific field and the advancement of issues of interest to both countries on legal platforms.

Sharing information and experiences between the two nations is highly valuable for improving emergency response, the official added.