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Pezeshkian: Iran Seeks to Strengthen Ties with Azerbaijan Across All Sectors

By Nigar Bayramli February 4, 2025

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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held a meeting with Hikmat Hajiyev, the Assistant to the Azerbaijani President, in Tehran, on February 3, 2025. / president.ir

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told Hikmat Hajiyev, the Assistant to the Azerbaijani President, that Tehran seeks to strengthen relations across all sectors with Azerbaijan.

During a meeting in Tehran, Pezeshkian emphasized Iran’s eagerness to enhance ties “in various economic, political, cultural, defense, and security sectors.” He emphasized “the rapid removal of obstacles” in trade and transportation sectors, welcomed bilateral exchanges, and encouraged the sharing of expertise, according to the Iranian president’s official website on February 3.

He reiterated Tehran’s stance against any changes to regional borders, stating: “Changing the borders of the region is unacceptable in any way, and some movements by powers outside the region make it necessary to strengthen unity and cohesion among the countries of the region and avoid any disagreement.”

Pezeshkian also expressed his hope to host his Azerbaijani counterpart in Tehran.

In response, Hajiyev, who also serves as the Head of the Department of Foreign Policy Affairs of Azerbaijan’s Presidential Administration, conveyed President Ilham Aliyev’s warm greetings and his invitation to Pezeshkian to visit Baku. He reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to developing bilateral relations, stating that the conditions were favorable for progress.

Earlier, Hajiyev met with Ali Akbar Ahmadian, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Ahmadian told Hajiyev that “the enemies and ill-wishers do not want Iran and Azerbaijan to hold friendly ties,” urging “rational voices” in both countries to counter the “destructive atmosphere” created by these “enemies.”

“Iran and Azerbaijan are brothers, and safeguarding and deepening this friendship is our duty,” he said, stressing that Iran is working to “clear hurdles” in the relationship.

Hajiyev, in turn, stated that “no country can undermine Tehran-Baku ties.”

He highlighted the increasing number of diplomatic visits by Azerbaijani officials, particularly following Ahmadian’s visit to Baku on January 8 and his meeting with President Aliyev. Ahmadian’s trip followed a recent dispute triggered by comments from the Iranian Supreme Leader’s representative at a religious ceremony in Iran’s Ardabil Province. The remarks angered Baku, leading President Aliyev to demand a formal apology.

During his meeting with the Azerbaijani presidential aide, Iran’s foreign minister reiterated that Tehran’s fundamental approach to tensions in the South Caucasus is to promote political dialogue.

Araghchi reaffirmed Iran’s “continued support” for the governments of the South Caucasus in resolving disputes independently, emphasizing that diplomatic engagements should proceed without “the destructive meddling” of external actors.

For his part, Hajiyev underscored President Aliyev’s determination to expand cooperation with Iran across various sectors. He expressed optimism about improving ties, citing “significant” potential and the positive momentum from recent bilateral visits and the convening of a joint economic committee.

Iran has consistently voiced concerns over Azerbaijan’s proposal to establish the Zangazur Corridor, a transportation route connecting mainland Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan exclave via Armenia. Tehran fears that the corridor could sever its land border with Armenia, significantly reshaping the region’s geopolitical landscape.

Additionally, Iran has repeatedly warned about the growing influence of its adversaries, particularly Israel and the United States, in the South Caucasus. Tehran perceives Israel’s military and political ties with Azerbaijan as a potential threat to its regional security interests.

Relations between Iran and Azerbaijan have grown increasingly strained in recent years, marked by heightened rhetoric and diplomatic tensions. A key flashpoint occurred in January 2023 when an attack on the Azerbaijani embassy in Tehran resulted in the death of an embassy staff member. Iranian authorities attributed the incident to a “personal motive,” while Baku denounced it as a “pre-planned terrorist attack.”