Azerbaijan mulling visa waivers for Iranians: Envoy

Azeri Ambassador to Tehran Javanshir Akhundov says the Republic of Azerbaijan is considering visa waivers for Iranian nationals.

“A special committee is mulling visa waivers for Iranian nationals and we are optimistic about the settlement of the issue in the near future,” Akhundov said in an address to the administrative officials of Iran’s northwestern Aras Free Trade Zone the Thursday.

He added that Baku is considering the lifting of visa requirements for Iranian citizens because of the willingness of the two countries to develop ties.

The Azeri government is keen to boost relations with Iran, Akhundov said, adding that the visa waiver would benefit both countries.

The administration of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has been seeking to improve ties with Iran’s neighbors, including Azerbaijan.

In a meeting with his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev in January, Rouhani said that Iran is ready to forge closer energy ties with the Republic of Azerbaijan and transfer its expertise in oil and gas exploration and extraction to its northern neighbor.

He added that Iran and Azerbaijan share numerous affinities and this is why Azerbaijan’s progress is very important for Iran.

The Iranian president said that the further enhancement of trade and economic relations between Tehran and Baku can cement the interactions between the two neighboring countries