Iran-Azerbaijan ties developing at fast pace: ambassador

Iran-Azerbaijan ties developing at fast pace: ambassador Nasir Hamidi Zare, Iran’s ambassador to Azerbaijan whose office has recently terminated, spoke in an exclusive interview with Trend News Persian Desk.
Trend News: How would you describe Azerbaijan-Iran ties during your office as ambassador to Azerbaijan?
Nasir Hamidi Zare: During my 67-month office I have noticed developing relations between the two countries. Iranian supreme religious leader (Ayatullah Ali Khameni) and Iranian people attach great importance to ties between the countries. Though some forces try to hinder Tehran-Baku ties, I have seen positive statements by leaders of two countries, high-level and promising cooperation during my office that lasted more than five years.
Q: What was the result of the agreements on political, economic and cultural fields signed between the two countries during your office?
A: It is noticeable that Azerbaijani took steps to gain independence and developed at a fast pace following Soviet Union’s collapse. Close ties between Azerbaijani President, ministers and other senior officials and their Iranian counterparts have provided a very good condition for the development of bilateral ties. The trade turnover between two countries doubled over the past two years. The figure is expected to reach $2 billion in 2009. Agreements were reached to enhance cooperation in 114 fields and seven economic documents were signed at the 7th meeting of the joint economic commission. The documents signed canceled double taxation and provided good conditions for investments. The cultural and public relations between the two countries are developing. We witness Baku’s development due to measures by the officials. We are very glad about it.
Q: What sweet and sad memories do you have about your office in Azerbaijan? With what impression are you leaving Azerbaijan?
A: I dot have any sad memories about Azerbaijan. I was very pleased about the results and statements adopted at the meeting of Azerbaijani and Iranian border agencies held in Baku earlier last week. The statements about absence of unresolved border problems were convincing. During my last meeting with Azerbaijani President Mr. Ilham Aliyev, he said that there is no obstacle for the development of Iran-Azerbaijan ties and the relations are developing successfully. I want to add that some countries try to instigate trouble among Muslim countries. Burt no one can harm Baku-Tehran ties./Trend/