"As both Iran and Azerbaijan are members, closer bilateral ties can strengthen ECO’s operational relevance and coherence. Improved Iran-Azerbaijan relations could act as a catalyst for revitalizing regional projects under ECO’s mandate, especially in areas such as trade facilitation, cross-border transit, and energy cooperation.

Strengthening bilateral relations between Iran and Azerbaijan can increase the coordination of the two countries' actions within the Economic Cooperation Organization, Basim Reza, a political scientist from Pakistan, told EDnews.

Their cooperation may encourage greater commitment to ECO’s strategic goals, including transport corridors, harmonization of customs procedures, and sustainable development. A cooperative Iran and Azerbaijan can jointly promote initiatives that reduce fragmentation within the ECO and offer a model for reconciling national interests within a multilateral framework. Furthermore, trust-building between key ECO members enhances the organization's credibility as a platform for peaceful economic integration in a diverse and often divided region.

In sum, I believe that the improvement of Iran-Azerbaijan relations offers a valuable opportunity to foster regional peace and economic growth," he said, adding that such diplomacy reflects a constructive shift toward dialogue and mutual benefit," he said.

"In a region often shaped by rivalry and external competition, sustained engagement and economic cooperation offer the most viable path toward lasting security and prosperity," he noted.The 17th Summit of Heads of State of the Economic Cooperation Organizationis expected to be held in Azerbaijan on July 3-4, 2025.

Madina Mammadova\\EDnews