Iran-Azerbaijan trade grows despite war: Minister

Tehran, IRNA – Trade between Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan increased over the past six months despite the challenges posed by the US-Israeli war on Iran, Minister of Roads and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadeq has said, stressing the need to expand infrastructure and remove obstacles to sustain the growth.

Sadegh made the remarks on Monday after a meeting of the heads of the Iran-Azerbaijan Joint Economic Cooperation Commission, attended by Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev in Tehran.

She said the two sides reviewed previously agreed issues and assessed progress in implementing their commitments.

Describing relations between Tehran and Baku as friendly, brotherly and strategic, the Iranian minister said her country was determined to advance the Jolfa-Kalaleh road-widening project. The initiative, she added, could boost transport capacity and increase bilateral trade.

Sadegh said the two countries had ample scope to deepen cooperation in various fields and expressed confidence that their ties would continue to expand.

Mustafayev, for his part, said cooperation between the two countries was developing in various sectors despite regional tensions, adding that closer ties with Iran remained a priority for Azerbaijan.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, he said the discussions covered priority areas and prospects for cooperation, including trade, logistics, transportation and energy.

The Azerbaijani deputy prime minister also pointed to rising bilateral trade and increased freight traffic along the International North-South Transport Corridor.

He said joint projects in various fields were progressing, with the latest developments reviewed during the meeting.

Mustafayev said Azerbaijan was interested in expanding its relations and cooperation with Iran.