Azeri, Iranian diplomats discuss bilateral interests

Tbilisi: Azerbaijani Ambassador to Georgia Faig Guliyev met with his Iranian counterpart in Tbilisi on December 23.
Newsmen reported that Guliyev Akbar Qasemi Georgia’s new ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Iran as the launch of Əliabadini congratulated him and wished him success in his diplomatic activity. Ambassador Faig Guliyev spoke about the recent processes in the region, the aggression against our country that has lasted for 30 years, and said that ending the occupation of our lands and restoring our territorial integrity will lead to positive changes not only for Azerbaijan but for the whole region.
Guliyev thanked the Iranian state and people for their solidarity and principled position in the war waged by Azerbaijan.
In turn, Ambassador Akbar Gasemi Aliabadi stressed that the relations between Iran and Azerbaijan, built on a solid foundation, serve the interests of both friendly peoples. He congratulated the Republic of Azerbaijan on its glorious victory in the war for the restoration of territorial integrity, and reiterated Iran’s support for this just position.
The sides also exchanged views on the further development of good neighborly relations, mutually beneficial cooperation between Azerbaijan and Iran, as well as cooperation between the two countries and Georgia.
It was noted that as a result of the elimination of Armenia’s aggression against Azerbaijan, there are wide opportunities for multilateral cooperation in various formats in the South Caucasus. The parties expressed confidence that fruitful contacts will continue in the future.
Last month, Iran welcomed a peace deal between Baku and Yerevan to end hostilities and hoped it would “lead to final arrangements in establishing sustainable peace in the Caucasus”.
Nagorno-Karabakh, also known as Upper Karabakh, is a territory recognized as part of Azerbaijan.
It was occupied by Armenia in 1991 and has since caused a deep rift with neighboring Azerbaijan.
New clashes in the territory erupted on Sept. 27 and ended with a Russian-brokered truce six weeks later.
Baymarov’s visit to Tehran comes after the scheduled visit of Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif to Baku was postponed due to “emergency meetings” related to next year’s budget. –PNP