Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has described the relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan deepening based on the wish of the two nations, adding, “The Islamic Republic of Iran is determined to develop relations with the Republic of Azerbaijan as friendly, neighbouring country”.

Speaking at a meeting with the Minister of Economic Development of the Republic of Azerbaijan Shahin Mustafayev, Hassan Rouhani said, “Tehran-Baku relations have developed more in different fields”.

“One of the very valuable instances of national and regional cooperation between the two countries is the finalization of South-North Rail project, linking through to Astara, that we hope will further deepen our relations,” he said.

Rouhani went on to appreciate the efforts of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for development of relations between the two countries.

He also expressed hope that relations will further deepen in all fields of mutual interest with the work of the joint commission of relations.

Minister Shahin Mustafayev underlined that the political will and friendly relations between the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Iran have provided a solid foundation for the development of cooperation. He emphasized the importance of the two countries presidents’ high-level meetings over the recent years in terms of expanding trade and economic ties between the two countries.

Minister Mustafayev noted that President Ilham Aliyev attaches special importance to the Qazvin-Rasht-Astara (Iran)-Astara (Azerbaijan) railway project, adding that this issue has always been in the center of attention.

Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Iran Bunyad Huseynov, Minister of Transport, Communications and High Technologies Ramin Guluzade and Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC Javid Gurbanov were also present at the meeting.