President Ilham Aliyev: “For the first time, the presidents of Iran and Azerbaijan are meeting at the border”
Currently, Azerbaijan-Iran relations are at a fairly high level. Cooperation between the two states in political, economic, cultural and other fields is developing dynamically. Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Iran in the field of transport is also based on wide potential. Currently, work in this direction is proceeding rapidly. The “Khudafarin” and “Gizgalasi” dams opened on the Araz River on May 19 are another symbol of friendship between the two countries. Realization of this project is an indicator of mutual trust of both countries. The meeting of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Seyyed Ibrahim Raisi at the opening ceremony and their position is a positive step in the deepening of relations. As President Ilham Aliyev said at the ceremony, today the whole world sees how strong Iran-Azerbaijani friendship is: “This friendship has deep roots and a deep history. For centuries, the peoples of Iran and Azerbaijan have lived and created together, and today the interstate relations built on this solid foundation, I think, have reached the highest level.
The historical significance of today’s ceremony is, among other things, that the presidents of Iran and Azerbaijan are meeting at the border for the first time. This once again shows that this border is the border of friendship and brotherhood. The feelings of mutual respect, understanding, and support from ancient history are manifested today both in this huge project, in the negotiations and agreements reached, and at the same time, it will be manifested in our future plans”.
It should be noted that the works on the construction of water dams at the “Khudafarin” and “Giz Galasi” hydrojunctions, which will serve to improve the production of electricity and the water supply of agricultural fields by using the water resources of the Araz River effectively, have been completed, and the works of filling the water reservoirs have started. Currently, 503 million cubic meters of water is stored in the “Khudafarin” reservoir, and 42 million cubic meters of water in the “Giz Galasi” reservoir, which is 40 and 85 percent of the total capacity. According to the opening statement, this project will improve irrigation on the existing 252,000 hectares of land in Azerbaijan and irrigate 12,000 hectares of new farmland, produce 358 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, and save 80 million cubic meters of gas.
It is known that the Iranian government cooperates with Armenia. In his speech, the President of Azerbaijan also conveyed his message to Armenia: “The development of the region must be ensured by the will of the peoples living in the countries of the region. The interference of non-regional countries in our affairs is unacceptable. As Azerbaijan, we establish relations with all countries on the basis of mutual respect, non-interference in each other’s affairs and mutual benefit, and we will continue to establish them in the future. If anyone – leaders of countries thousands of kilometers away from here – want to achieve any results in this region, let them talk to us. Unnecessary and unnecessary intervention has not and will not bring any results to this day. I believe that Armenia should not take a wrong step. Regional issues should be resolved with the direct participation and will of the countries of the region. For many years, Armenia has relied on the protection and support of countries far away from here. What was the result? The result was not so encouraging for them. So, don’t make the next mistake. The peoples living in the region have historically lived here. The states of the region are strong states, they are states that conduct an independent policy. No outside force has ever influenced the will of these states and will not. I hope that Armenia will contribute to regional cooperation, not harm it, by conducting the right policy”.
The President of Azerbaijan always says that he is a supporter of peace and calls his colleagues and partners to do the same. In his speech at the border, Mr. President touched on the importance of peace cooperation with Iran: “Increasing trade turnover, creating new joint ventures – all this is obvious. In order to implement all the plans, there should be peace, tranquility and stability in the region where we live in the future”.
Historically, relations between Azerbaijan and Iran have been at a good level in all fields, including the energy sector. A number of documents were signed at the level of heads of state regarding the further development of bilateral relations, especially cooperation in the field of energy. Recalling that the future development of Iran-Azerbaijani relations is very positive, President Ilham Aliyev said that there are very big plans in the field of energy: “The construction of two hydropower plants with a capacity of 280 megawatts is planned. The equal distribution of energy resources will provide additional benefits to both countries.” There is a wide opportunity for cooperation between the two countries in the field of oil, gas and energy. In particular, joint development of oil and gas fields, production and transportation issues, processing, sale or exchange of oil and gas, cooperation in the petrochemical complex, implementation of joint projects, exchange of experience and similar issues are possible.
In general, the development of energy cooperation is in the interest of both countries. Today, both Azerbaijan and Iran have investment opportunities to invest in the oil and gas field. It is possible to exchange ideas and join forces on oil and gas export, underground gas storages, electricity, personnel exchange and other issues. At the current stage, it is necessary to explore new opportunities for cooperation in the field of energy. Both countries have strong potential in this regard. We hope that the issues agreed with the Iranian state in various fields will be implemented soon.
Rustamova Aybeniz Vilayat gizi, Head of the Department of Humanities and Regional Studies of the Eurasian University, Doctor of Philosophy in History, Associate Professor