Iran (IMNA) - In an interview with Baku TV on Thursday, Abbas Mousavi praised the “historical background” between the two neighboring countries and stressed that they would not allow “misunderstandings” to persist and sour their ties.
“The historical background of the two countries and the deep cultural and emotional relations between the people on both sides of the border of about 800 kilometers between Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan do not allow problems and misunderstandings to continue,” Mousavi said.
“Both countries tried to overcome the icy period [in bilateral ties] with wisdom, tact and resourcefulness and turn over a new leaf in bilateral relations,” he added.
Underlining the “evident” role of some countries and regimes in the region and beyond, especially their security services, in sowing discord between Iran and Azerbaijan, the ambassador said the current Iranian administration’s neighborly policy is a "serious and principled" one.
"In its foreign policy, the Islamic Republic of Iran moves forward based on stable principles and foundations that cannot be violated or changed," he said.
Mousavi said the activities of the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Tehran will “soon” resume, adding that a delegation has traveled to Tehran to make the preparations.
Azerbaijan’s relations with Iran were strained in January last year following an attack on the country’s embassy in Tehran, which prompted Baku to close it and evacuate staff over what it called a “terrorist act.”
An initial Iranian investigation found out that the attack was motivated by “personal and family-related problems”.
“The incident on January 27, 2023, and the attack on the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Tehran was very poignant, unpredictable and surprising,” Mousavi said in the interview.
“But all the evidence and the subsequent visits of the judicial and security officials of the two countries and the confession of the assailant showed that the action was individual and with personal motives,” he added. “The suspect was arrested, tried, and sentenced to severe punishment.”
Iran's Ambassador to Baku, Abbas Mousavi, has highlighted the ongoing efforts to develop and diversify a transport corridor connecting Azerbaijan's exclave of Nakhchivan to its mainland, bypassing Armenia through Iranian territory.
He mentioned that this route has been in place for over 30 years and now aims to expand. Furthermore, Mousavi stated that Tehran and Baku are working on large-scale economic projects to strengthen their economic ties. This comes as Azerbaijan's Energy Minister, Parviz Shahbazov, visited Iran at the invitation of his Iranian counterpart, with the aim of discussing and exchanging views on enhancing cooperation in the energy sector between the two countries.
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