Tehran, Baku have pivotal role in shaping future regional transportation, energy corridors: Azerbaijani expert

TABNAK, Apr. 27 - Azerbaijan and Iran can work together to develop new trade routes, improve cross-border connectivity, and facilitate the flow of goods between Asia and Europe.

News ID: 6347

Date: 27 April 2025 - 00:34

Iranian President Pezeshkian will visit Baku on Monday at the invitation of his Azerbaijani counterpart President Ilham Aliyev.

The visit will come as relations between Tehran and Baku, despite some political and security fluctuations, have always been underpinned by rich historical and cultural commonalities.

Fatemeh Mohajerani, spokesperson for the Iranian Administration  says the upcoming visit by the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Republic of Azerbaijan should be considered an important step by the incumbent Administration in the field of regional and neighborhood diplomacy.

To know more about the significance of the visit and the opportunities that it can provide not only for two countries but also for the region, TABNAK reached out to Emin Aliyev , Editor in Chief at Trend News Agency, Azerbaijan.

Here is the full text of the interview:

What is the significance of President Pezeshkian's visit to Baku after years of tensions?

The upcoming visit of President Pezeshkian to Baku is highly significant, symbolizing a new chapter in Azerbaijan-Iran relations. It reflects the mutual political will to move beyond past tensions and focus on building a stable, constructive partnership based on mutual respect, non-interference, and shared regional interests.

This visit underscores both countries' recognition that dialogue, economic collaboration, and regional connectivity are essential for long-term peace and prosperity in the South Caucasus. It is also an important message to the international community that Azerbaijan and Iran prioritize neighborly relations and are committed to resolving differences through diplomacy and cooperation.

How do you see the role of two countries cooperation in boosting regional corridors?

Azerbaijan and Iran have a pivotal role in shaping the future of regional transportation and energy corridors. Both countries are geographically strategic — serving as a natural bridge between Asia and Europe. Enhanced cooperation can ensure the development of reliable, diversified, and secure routes, including the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), energy transit lines, and new trade linkages through liberated Azerbaijani territories.

Such cooperation strengthens regional interconnectivity, promotes economic resilience, and reduces dependency on any single route or market, benefiting not only Azerbaijan and Iran but also their neighbors and wider regions like Central Asia and Europe.

What are the fields that two countries can cooperate with each other? and what will be the positive effects of such cooperation?

Azerbaijan and Iran have broad opportunities for cooperation across several vital sectors. In transport and logistics, the two countries can work together to develop new trade routes, improve cross-border connectivity, and facilitate the flow of goods between Asia and Europe. In the energy sector, there is strong potential for collaboration in electricity exchange, renewable energy development, and oil and gas projects, contributing to greater regional energy security. Agriculture is another promising area, where both sides can increase trade in food products, share modern technologies, and create joint initiatives to enhance food security.

Tourism and cultural exchanges also offer significant prospects, helping to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen people-to-people ties. Healthcare, particularly in pharmaceutical production and innovation, is an emerging field where joint efforts can bring important benefits. Furthermore, cooperation in environmental protection and sustainable management of shared water resources will address common challenges and contribute to the well-being of future generations.

By expanding their partnership in these areas, Azerbaijan and Iran will not only stimulate economic growth and create new jobs but also strengthen regional stability, build mutual trust, and foster deeper integration between their societies. The positive impact of such collaboration will be felt far beyond bilateral relations, supporting the vision of a peaceful, interconnected, and prosperous South Caucasus.