Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad underlined that development of relations with the neighboring countries sets a top priority for the Islamic Republic. Speaking to reporters prior to his trip to Azerbaijan on Tuesday, the president viewed Tehran-Baku ties as good and stable, and reminded that the two nations share a common culture, religion and historical background.
He further pointed to the goals of his visit to Baku, and said that during his meetings with the Azeri officials, he will discuss the Caspian Sea issues, the two sides’ cooperation in the trade and energy sectors, and bolstering of the two states’ trade and customs cooperation and joint investments.
Reminding that the trip takes place at the invitation of his Azeri counterpart Ilham Aliyev, the Iranian president expressed the hope that his talks with Baku officials would yield fruits for both nations.
Ahmadinejad then left Tehran for Baku.
During the two-day visit, the Iranian and Azeri officials will discuss bilateral ties and exchange views about significant regional and international issues.
The two sides are also scheduled to sign several cooperation agreements during Ahmadinejad’s visit to Baku.
In this trip, the Iranian president is accompanied by foreign minister Manouchehr Mottaki, his senior advisor Hashemi Samareh and two parliament members.