Baku/Tehran, 26 June 2023 (TDI): Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian engaged in a phone conversation with his counterpart from Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, on June 25 and exchanged viewpoints on political, economic, and consular issues of mutual concern.
Amirabdollahian touched upon the key regional and international developments and reiterated the significance of constant and bilateral consultations between the two parties.
Baku-Tehran realigns bilateral relations
The main focus of the discussions was the “current state and prospects” of relations between Tehran and Azerbaijan.
The Iranian foreign minister pointed out that Baku and Tehran should collaborate to resolve current issues and challenges within their bilateral relationship, reorienting their relations in the right direction.
Azerbaijan and Iran experienced a surge of tensions earlier this year, partly due to the Azeri government’s deepening ties with the Israeli administration.
During the talks, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister underscored the significance of mutual engagements in different spheres between the two countries.
In addition, he expressed hope that their bilateral ties will flourish and that conflicting areas can be resolved in the near future.
The complex dynamics between the two countries have resulted in a history of conflict and discord, leading to troubled relations.
Iran’s alleged support for Armenia in the prolonged conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh is the main reason for the animosity between the two countries.
Additionally, Tehran has accused Baku of inciting separatist sentiments among ethnically Azerbaijani people on the northwestern border of Iran.
Also Read: Azerbaijan and Iran Engage in Diplomatic Dialogue
Cooperation in the international arena
Jeyhun Bayramov thanked the Iranian Foreign Minister for his constructive efforts in diffusing the tensions and also regarded their talks as a positive step towards peace between the two countries.
The two neighbouring countries expressed keen interest in cooperating in the economic and transportation fields, strengthening their previously marred relations.
Amidst their exchange, the top leaders shared their views on the current status of the International North South Corridor (INSC) and possible means to catalyze its development.
The corridor is a multi-modal transport route connecting India and the Persian Gulf to Russia via Iran. However, the project later expanded, including eleven additional countries, along with Azerbaijan.
Furthermore, the two countries also deliberated on the prospects of cooperation within the framework of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and the Non-Aligned Movement.
