The 17th meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Trade and Humanitarian Cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Islamic Republic of Iran was held in Baku, on February 23.
The meeting was co-chaired by Shahin Mustafayev, Azerbaijan’s Deputy Prime Minister, and Farzaneh Sadegh, Iran’s Minister of Roads and Urban Development, also gathering authorized representatives of relevant organizations from both countries.
The meeting particularly underscored that relations between Azerbaijan and Iran are built on shared historical, cultural, and religious values, as well as on principles of friendship and good-neighborliness, noting that the dynamics of bilateral ties is grounded in the political will of both countries’ leaders, covering all areas of cooperation.
The discussions focused on the current state and development of bilateral relations across trade, economic, transport, energy, water, humanitarian, and other domains.
Deputy PM Shahin Mustafayev noted that the construction of the Aghband-Kalala highway bridge has been completed.
According to him, the bridge is expected to be fully operational once the border and customs infrastructure are finalized.
The Azerbaijani Deputy PM added that the project will connect the East Zangezur economic region with Nakhchivan via the shortest and most efficient route, also forming a crucial component of a convenient highway route linking the Persian Gulf and the Black Sea.
The discussions covered the development of the East–West and North–South transport corridors, the expansion of the region’s logistics capabilities and transit potential, as well as the construction of the Rasht–Astara railway line, recognized as a key element of the North–South Transport Corridor. The meeting noted that once commissioned, this railway line would significantly increase cargo transportation volumes in the North–South direction, reducing their delivery times.
The meeting also reviewed the implementation status of joint projects implemented by the two countries, particularly those aimed at expanding regional logistics and transit potential, as well as ensuring energy sustainability.
In conclusion, the co-chairs signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the outcomes of the meeting.
