Iranian, Azeri Officials Term Current Trade Volume Unacceptable
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mahmoud Vaezi called for special attention to the expansion of commercial relations between Tehran and Baku.
Following a meeting with Azeri Deputy Prime Minister Ali Hassanov on Tuesday, Vaezi said the annual trade volume between the two countries, which currently stands at $500 million, is not what the Iranian and Azeri people deserve and should grow significantly.
He referred to his talks with Hassanov and said the two sides discussed the role of the private sector in bilateral ties as well as humanitarian cooperation and collaboration to combat smuggling.
Hassanov, for his part, said the two countries are eager to develop relations, adding that no country can undermine the bonds between Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Hassanov arrived in Tehran on Monday for a three-day official visit. His trip to Tehran came at the invitation of Iranian Labor Minister Ali Rabiei.
In recent months, Tehran and Baku have taken great strides to extend bilateral ties in various fields.
During Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan earlier this month, the two countries signed 5 agreements and memorandums of understanding.
Back in April this year, Azeri President Ilham Aliyev paid a visit to Tehran to consult with senior Iranian officials on bilateral and regional issues and enhancement of mutual relations.
High-ranking officials from the two countries signed three memorandums of understanding and a cooperation agreement during his visit to Iran at the time.
