Iran, Azerbaijan to Expedite Cooperation on Construction of Power Plants

Based on reports by Azeri news agencies, the two neighboring countries will speed up efforts to finalize an agreement to continue constructing the “Khudaferin” and “Giz Galasi” hydropower plants.

The arrangement was reportedly made during the 9th meeting of the Azerbaijan-Iran Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic and Humanitarian Cooperation on August 6.

Moreover, the two sides agreed to push for an immediate implementation of a previous agreement, based on which Iran will construct two hydroelectric power stations over the Aras River, which flows along the border between the two countries.

Back in April and during Azeri President Ilham Aliyev’s trip to Iran, high-ranking officials from the two countries signed three memoranda of understanding and a cooperation agreement.

Later in June, the Parliament of Azerbaijan ratified the agreement on the construction of “Ordubad” and “Marazad” power plants, and on July 1, President Aliyev officially approved the deal.

Azerbaijan and Iran have had diplomatic relations since 1918. Iran recognized Azerbaijan's independence in 1991, and diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1992.