Azerbaijan and Iran boost strategic ties in high-level Baku talks

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev praised the accelerating pace of cooperation with neighboring Iran during high-level talks in Baku on Monday. Meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Aliyev highlighted the positive impact of recent reciprocal visits, including those by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations.

Expanding a concrete bilateral agenda

President Aliyev expressed satisfaction with the "recent intensification of our relations," noting that the bilateral agenda has become both broad and concrete. He pointed to the successful operation of the intergovernmental commission and cited tangible progress in key sectors such as trade, transportation corridors, and energy. Aliyev stated his expectation that the current high-level visit would further contribute to productive outcomes.

Iran's commitment to stronger ties with Baku

Foreign Minister Araghchi conveyed warm greetings from President Pezeshkian and reaffirmed Tehran's high regard for its relationship with Azerbaijan. He emphasized that enhancing ties with Baku was a specific directive from the Iranian leadership following Pezeshkian's election. The discussions also covered regional issues and matters of mutual interest, underscoring the strategic depth of the dialogue beyond purely economic matters.

Context of a reinvigorated regional partnership

This diplomatic engagement is part of a sustained effort to deepen ties. President Pezeshkian has visited Azerbaijan twice this year—an official state visit to Baku in April and again in July for the ECO summit in Khankendi. Araghchi's current trip, which also includes meetings with Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov, signals a continued commitment to solidifying this regional axis, which holds significance for connectivity and stability in the South Caucasus and beyond.