Tehran, July 18 (MRUD NEWS)—During the meeting of heads of Iran and Azerbaijan Joint Economic Commission yesterday in Astara, Iran Minister of Roads and Urban Development, Mehrdad Bazrpash, and Shahin Mustafayev, First Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan discussed different bilateral agendas for increased trade and transit and reached some agreements. 

Basically, the two sides agreed to increase traffic, to open a new border terminal in the next 4 months, and to increase  investment by 60% for construction of a rail dock. The problems of truck drivers were also decided to be resolved through a joint committee between the two countries within next two months. 

Speaking to the reporters, Bazrpash said that after a break in bilateral relations due to the unfortunate incident that happened at the Azerbaijani Embassy, the problem has now been resolved. Iran's President emphasized on strengthening and developing relations with Azerbaijan, and part of this was achieved in this meeting. 

Pointing to the long border of Iran with Azerbaijan (about 800 km), Bazrpash added that transport network of Iran and Azerbaijan is a large network and the two countries have many plans to complete the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

Astarachay Border Bridge 

Currently, construction of the border Bridge of Astarachay has been completed, as Iranian delegation welcomed Azerbaijan delegation yesterday on this Bridge. It was decided that a temporary border terminal of Iran in Astarachay should be established as soon as possible with the customs and border surveillance system of Iran. It was also agreed to operate the new border terminal in the next 4 months, which will provide a good capacity for the transit of trucks between the two countries. 

The narrow width of existing terminal and the old bridge as well as restrictions imposed on the part of Azerbaijan prevented easy traffic with long queues. With the construction of the new bridge, some of these problems would be reduced.

With the agreement that was made earlier, the retrofitting and widening of the existing bridge is also underway which by determination of Azerbaijan would increase the traffic capacity of trucks on this route.

Increasing traffic/transit capacity between Iran and Azerbaijan

Increase of transit had been another agenda for negotiation. Iran's request was to increase the capacity at the Bileh Savar Border and at the Astara border, which was agreed by Azerbaijan. In this meeting, it was decided to increase the daily traffic capacity which will facilitate traffic and increase trade between Iran and Azerbaijan.

Moreover, Iran proposed Jolfa to be the exit point for the  linking route that enters the territory of Iran from the Aghbend. It was also agreed that the construction of the Aghband Bridge should be carried out as soon as possible, as it is  obligation of Azerbaijan.

Investment for the construction of Iran-Azerbaijan rail dock will increase by 60%

The rail dock was an agreement between the two countries in the past, and as more investment is needed to complete it, the two sides decided to increase investments by 60%. Azerbaijan's proposal for augmenting its operation and also the need for more investments in this project were decided to be discussed in the Joint Economic Commission within two months, Bazarpash explained. 

The Rasht-Astara railway, which its construction is getting started, reaches this important rail dock, as the minister reminded. 

Additional negotiation agendas included activation of border markets, which is one of the main opportunities for development of trade in neighboring countries, expected to be done in a short time. 

Similarly, the decisions and removing problems ahead of Khoda Afarin Dam and Ordubad Dam will be due in the next two months. 

According to Bazrpash, agreements were reached in energy, gas swap, and defense.

Bazrpash called for expansion of bilateral relations with Azerbaijan and stated: Iran's access to the northern countries is through Azerbaijan, therefore strengthening relations and cooperation with Azerbaijan is very important for Iran. Iran's transport and transit networks are also connected to Azerbaijan, through which more freights can be transited through this route.

Considering huge capacities between the two countries, there are unique opportunities for development of economic relations. 

In the meeting, Shahin Mustafayev appreciated Mehrdad Bazarpash and the Iranian delegation for their efforts to expand relations and said: we are looking forward for the agreements between the two countries in various economic fields.

Azerbaijan believes in the development of stable and continuous cooperation with Iran and follows this political policy, First Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan further continued.  

He also emphasized on the determination of the two countries to carry out unfinished projects and called for launching other necessary projects.

Referring to 2,452 Iranian companies in Azerbaijan, Mustafayev said completion of connecting transport projects, including the border bridges, customs, and railway and technical cooperation, will expand the relationship between the two countries.