Iran’s foreign minister stresses closer ties with Azerbaijan

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stressed the need to expand comprehensive relations between Tehran and Baku, describing his visit to Azerbaijan last December as “constructive”.

Araghchi made the remarks during a meeting in Tehran on Sunday with Iran’s ambassador to Baku, Mojtaba Damirchilu, where he also reiterated the importance of broadening consultations with Azerbaijan.

According to a statement from Iran’s Foreign Ministry, Ambassador Damirchilu presented a detailed report on the state of bilateral relations following Araghchi’s visit to Baku on 7 December.

“Foreign Minister Araghchi welcomed the expansion of consultations with the Republic of Azerbaijan in the economic, transit, political, cultural and humanitarian fields,” the statement said.

He also emphasised the need to advance a good-neighbourly policy through the continued strengthening and development of comprehensive ties.

During his visit to Baku, Araghchi held talks with President Ilham Aliyev and other senior Azerbaijani officials, exchanging views on key bilateral issues and regional developments.

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Separately, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said last week that work on the Astara–Rasht railway link connecting Iran and Azerbaijan was progressing, with the government having acquired 115 kilometres of the 160-kilometre route.

The project forms part of the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

The route, which will connect railway networks in Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia and India, includes 56 bridges and 35 overpasses.

Pezeshkian said technical teams were currently working on the project, describing the Astara–Rasht line as the missing link in the 7,200-kilometre corridor.

Iran has also voiced support for last year’s peace deal between Baku and Yerevan, saying it backs efforts to strengthen security in the South Caucasus and promote peaceful relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

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