Iranian Speaker Warns of Terrorists, Israel’s Moves in Azerbaijan

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said that his country is concerned about the presence of terrorist groups as well as Israel’s moves in Azerbaijan.

The presence of terrorists and movements of the Zionist regime in the Republic of Azerbaijan is a threat to regional peace and security, Qalibaf said in a meeting with visiting Azeri Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov in Tehran on Wednesday.

He expressed satisfaction with the announcement of a ceasefire between the Republic of Azerbaijan and Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, and stated, “Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Iranian Parliament, government officials and people of the country were concerned about the recent conflicts in the Azerbaijan Republic and strongly supported the important issue of preserving the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.”

Elsewhere, Qalibaf referred to the longstanding and deep cultural and religious bond between the two countries of Iran and Azerbaijan, and said, “High capacities and capabilities of the two countries should be used optimally in order to increase the level of economic, political, social and cultural cooperation. Border cooperation and connection of rail routes should be prioritized in bilateral ties.”

He emphasized the need for the continuation of bilateral talks in line with securing the interests of the two nations and added, “High-ranking officials of the two countries have taken appropriate steps for increasing bilateral cooperation.”

Bayramov, for his part, first condemned the assassination of Iranian prominent nuclear and defense scientist martyr Fakhrizadeh, saying that this terrorist act is unacceptable and the people of Azerbaijan felt deep sorrow to hear the news.

He pointed to the proposal of the Islamic Republic of Iran in presenting a peaceful solution for terminating conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, and said, “Stances taken by Leader of the Islamic Revolution, President, lawmakers and people in the course of a 44-day war were strong support for the Republic of Azerbaijan.”

In relevant remarks on Wednesday, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Shamkhani in a meeting with Bayramov underlined the need for the regional states to prevent measures which create new centers for insecurity.

During the meeting, Shamkhani referred to the evil deeds of the American-Zionist-ISIL triangle and their presence in West Asia which has ignited insecurity in the region, and said the regional countries should prevent creation of centers of insecurity in the region by cooperation.

He expressed satisfaction with the establishment of peace between the two countries of Azerbaijan and Armenia and the return of the occupied territories to the Azeri mainland. 

Shamkhani also wished success for the government and people of Azerbaijan in the path of growth and development.

The Iranian official stated that Tehran-Baku relations should be upgraded to the highest possible level.

He noted that the completion of joint projects and the implementation of agreements between the two countries as well as starting new mutual cooperation in various fields requires more serious efforts.

Shamkhani pointed to Iran’s experience and technical and engineering capabilities, and declared his country’s interest in participation in the reconstruction of war-torn areas of Azerbaijan.

Bayramov, for his part, expressed gratitude for the principled policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran towards the Karabakh crisis, and appreciated the wise positions of the Leader of Iran Ayatollah Khamenei in support of putting an end to the occupation and crisis.

Referring to the determination of the top officials of the two countries to develop and strengthen relations between Tehran and Baku, Bayramov announced readiness of the Republic of Azerbaijan to improve bilateral ties with Iran in various fields.

He also extended his condolences over the ma