Iran and Azerbaijan to Sign Comprehensive Transportation Memorandum during Presidential Visit
Critical agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in transport, trade and transit are set to be finalized during the Iranian President’s visit to Azerbaijan. Business leaders from both nations will convene to further economic collaboration under the guidance of government ministries and chambers of commerce.
In a significant diplomatic development, the Minister of Roads and Urban Development of Iran announced plans to formalize a comprehensive Memorandum with Azerbaijan addressing transport, border management, customs and transit facilitation. This agreement will be signed following bilateral reviews during Iranian President Dr. Pezhakian’s forthcoming visit to Azerbaijan.
The announcement came as Minister Farzaneh Sadegh visited the Jolfa border in East Azerbaijan province, following a productive three-day mission to the Republic of Azerbaijan. Minister Sadegh highlighted that preliminary discussions had been conducted under the framework of the Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation, setting the stage for deeper collaboration during the President's visit.
*High-Level Meetings with Azerbaijani Leadership*
During the visit, Minister Sadegh held strategic discussions with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, stressing mutual commitments to advancing cooperation across transport, transit, trade, energy and other key sectors. In a separate meeting with Shahin Mustafayev, Azerbaijan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Chair of the Iran-Azerbaijan Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation, detailed deliberations were conducted to finalize agreements in preparation for President Pezeshkian’s visit.
Minister Sadegh also elaborated on critical topics addressed during these meetings, including maritime and port transport cooperation, expanding road transport and transit capacities, and facilitating the movement of goods and trucks between the two nations.
*Strategic Initiatives for Economic Integration*
The Minister confirmed that both nations are prioritizing the implementation of a preferential trade agreement, with efforts underway to solidify this arrangement by the time of the presidential visit. Additionally, plans have been announced for a high-profile meeting of Iranian and Azerbaijani business leaders to be held on the sidelines of the visit. This technical forum, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development and the Iranian Chamber of Commerce, aims to boost international trade and transit between the two countries.
*Infrastructure Development Projects*
Minister Sadegh also inspected key infrastructure projects, including the Kalaleh-Aghband highway bridge and the Siahrood border area. He noted the progress in expanding the Siahrood - Jolfa road, a critical project to enhance goods transportation efficiency. Regarding the Kalaleh-Aghband bridge, he confirmed that negotiations with Azerbaijani counterparts have resulted in directives to complete and operationalize the bridge by year-end.
Furthermore, Dr. Sadegh stressed the importance of expediting the construction of a border area in the region, with land acquisition and preparation already underway. The area is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening cross-border trade and transit connectivity.
*Looking Ahead*
The upcoming visit of President Pezeshkian’s to Azerbaijan is anticipated to mark a milestone in relations between the two nations, with the signing of the transportation MoU and other collaborative agreements paving the way for enhanced economic integration. Both countries remain committed to fostering a robust partnership that advances mutual growth and regional connectivity.
