Tehran, Baku Pledge to Strengthen Bilateral Relations and Maintain Ongoing Dialogue

TEHRAN (Iran News) Addressing reporters, Araqchi emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue between Tehran and Baku, acknowledging that while the two countries share many common interests, there are also differences that require careful management. “We share many common interests in bilateral cooperation, but there are also differences and misunderstandings that need to be addressed through dialogue,” he said. He highlighted the progress made in political relations over the past year and expressed optimism about further high-level exchanges, including potential visits to Tehran by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Foreign Minister Bayramov.

Araqchi underscored that both nations must protect their bilateral relationship from external interference and work collaboratively to enhance mutual cooperation. He reaffirmed Iran’s support for the 3+3 regional cooperation framework, which brings together Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia with their neighbors Iran, Russia, and Turkey. Backing Baku’s proposal to host the next 3+3 meeting, with the subsequent session scheduled for Yerevan, Araqchi described this initiative as “a step that can strengthen the mechanism and make it more effective.”

Focusing on regional security, the Iranian foreign minister stressed that stability must primarily be ensured by local countries themselves, cautioning that foreign interference could destabilize the region. He also addressed the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, voicing Iran’s support for efforts to halt violence against Palestinians, provide aid to affected populations, and uphold their sovereign right to determine their future.

During his visit, Araqchi held separate meetings with key Azerbaijani officials to discuss multiple avenues of cooperation. In discussions with Azerbaijani Parliament Speaker Sahiba Gafarova, he highlighted the importance of parliamentary collaboration and people-to-people ties, noting that legislative bodies play a critical role in strengthening bilateral relations.

In talks with Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev, Araqchi underlined that agreements reached in Baku would enhance cooperation across several sectors, including economy, trade, transportation, transit, energy, water management, and cultural tourism. Mustafayev, reflecting on the historical and cultural bonds shared by the two nations, stressed the importance of implementing agreements previously signed by the presidents of both countries. These included seven cooperation documents finalized during Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to Baku in April.

The discussions between Iranian and Azerbaijani officials also focused on practical measures to deepen ties, including expanding economic and commercial cooperation, improving border infrastructure projects, and increasing connectivity through additional flights. Both sides expressed a shared determination to foster stronger cooperation across all areas of common interest, signaling a commitment to long-term partnership.

Analysts view the renewed engagement between Tehran and Baku as a significant step in regional diplomacy. The 3+3 framework, which aims to facilitate multilateral cooperation in the South Caucasus, has gained traction as a platform for promoting dialogue and conflict resolution among neighboring states. By supporting this mechanism and advocating for local ownership of security, Iran and Azerbaijan are signaling a shared commitment to fostering stability and sustainable development in the region.

In addition to economic and political discussions, the meetings highlighted cultural and social dimensions of the bilateral relationship. Officials from both countries agreed to pursue initiatives that strengthen cultural tourism and people-to-people connections, recognizing that long-term stability and mutual understanding are rooted not only in politics and trade but also in shared history and cultural exchange.

The joint press conference in Baku reflected a careful balance of diplomacy, emphasizing both the opportunities and challenges facing Iran and Azerbaijan. While differences exist, both sides agreed that dialogue, mutual respect, and regional cooperation are the foundations for a stable and prosperous relationship. Araqchi’s visit marks another milestone in the ongoing efforts to expand collaboration and enhance ties between the two neighboring countries, reinforcing the strategic importance of maintaining open communication channels and sustained engagement.

As Iran and Azerbaijan continue to navigate regional complexities, Monday’s announcements signal a commitment to proactive diplomacy and a forward-looking partnership, one that seeks to combine economic growth, security cooperation, and cultural exchange into a comprehensive framework for bilateral and regional stability.