Araghchi: Iran Was, Is, and Will Be Reliable Pillar for Azerbaijan
Tehran - BORNA - Seyed Abbas Araghchi, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, who recently visited Baku, wrote that the Islamic Republic of Iran was the first country to recognize the independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan. He noted that throughout the 27-year Karabakh conflict, Iran defended Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and never cut off Nakhchivan's land connection, even under the toughest circumstances.
Referring to new projects, including the Kalala-Aghband bridge, the Aras Corridor plan, joint dams, and the trilateral electricity grid connection with Russia, he announced: "Now, following the resolution of the Karabakh conflict, is the best opportunity to transform the Aras River from a symbol of separation into a vital artery of cooperation and shared prosperity."
Araghchi warned against foreign interference, adding: "Security in the South Caucasus is not an imported commodity, and Tehran and Baku must be vigilant to ensure that no factor threatens the brotherly relations between the two countries."
The full text of Araghchi's article, published by the Iranian news agency "APA" under the title "Tehran and Baku: Neighborhood Rooted in History, Partnership on the Horizon of the Future," is as follows:
The relationship between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan is more than mere geographical neighborhood; it is a profound manifestation of a historical, cultural, and civilizational kinship rooted in the deep and unbreakable ties of the peoples on both sides of the Aras River. These deep bonds are so interwoven into the fabric of our societies that imagining the history, literature, art, religion, and identity of one without the other is difficult. In this narrative, the political borders drawn are only lines on a map, while hearts and shared heritage have beat with a single rhythm for centuries.
A look at contemporary history shows that the Islamic Republic of Iran has been a reliable partner and a firm pillar for its brothers north of the Aras River in all pivotal moments. When the breeze of independence began to blow, Iran was at the forefront of countries that recognized the independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan and, by immediately upgrading its Consulate General to an Embassy, signaled a clear message of comprehensive support to the world. This support continued with significant aid in the early years of consolidating Azerbaijan's national sovereignty, and during the long period of the Karabakh conflict, Tehran's principled policy was always based on the necessity of respecting territorial integrity and the return of occupied territories.
The Islamic Republic of Iran has been a reliable partner and a firm pillar for its brothers north of the Aras River in all pivotal moments. When the breeze of independence began to blow, Iran was at the forefront of countries that recognized the independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
While the dust of time may have faded some truths, historical documents testify that the "Tehran Declaration" in May 1992 was the first international document in which Armenia explicitly recognized the territorial integrity of the Republic of Azerbaijan—a document that proves Iran's central and sincere role at that sensitive juncture. Our unwavering support at the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation has always corroborated this principled policy.
Currently, these relations, which benefit from historical backing, are expanding in various dimensions such as economic and transit, political and security, and cultural and social. This convergence of historical connections, practical support, and multilateral cooperation has elevated the Iran-Azerbaijan relationship beyond a simple neighborhood, mapping out clear horizons for sustainable and long-term cooperation in line with the mutual interests of the two nations.
Transit and Connectivity: A Reliable Partner
In the realm of connections and geopolitics, Iran's role as a reliable and vital partner is undeniable. For the past 34 years, based on the duty of neighborliness and humanity, Iran has provided access for the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic to other parts of the Republic of Azerbaijan through its territory. Throughout these years, even during the peak of foreign pressure or political fluctuations, Iran never allowed the connection between Nakhchivan and the main body of Azerbaijan to be severed.
Today, to facilitate this and improve the quality of access, the "Aras Corridor Plan" is being seriously pursued. This strategic project is not just a transit route but a symbol of the two countries' determination to diversify connectivity routes. Currently, four other border crossings between the two countries operate 24 hours a day, serving as vital arteries for trade and passenger traffic. But the delightful news is that the fifth crossing between the two countries will soon commence operation with the completion and commissioning of the "Kalala-Aghband" bridge. This new crossing will create fresh capacities for economic cooperation and complete the regional connection puzzle.
Energy and Water Cooperation
Iran-Azerbaijan relations are multifaceted, and one of the most important aspects is cooperation in the field of energy and water resources. The Aras River, once a symbol of separation in the literature of the two countries, has today become a symbol of connection and cooperation. Numerous joint border projects, including dams and power plants, are underway. The construction and commissioning of several hydroelectric power plants have been on the agenda, some of which are active, and the complementary work of others is rapidly progressing. Furthermore, the connection of electricity grids and gas pipelines between the two countries guarantees regional energy security. We are planning for electricity exchange and trilateral electricity grid connection involving Russia, which will transform the Caucasus into an energy hub.
In the gas sector, agreements for gas swap to Nakhchivan are being implemented, demonstrating the depth of mutual trust.
Iran, for the past 34 years, based on the duty of neighborliness and humanity, has provided access for the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic to other parts of the Republic of Azerbaijan through its territory. Throughout these years, even during the peak of foreign pressure or political fluctuations, Iran never allowed the connection between Nakhchivan and the main body of Azerbaijan to be severed.
Political Relations and Regional Stability
In the political sphere, consultations between high-ranking officials of the two countries are continuous. Although bilateral relations have experienced ups and downs in past years—which is not unexpected in neighborly relations—the overall trend is growing, and the determination of the high-ranking officials of both countries is to overcome misunderstandings and develop these relations comprehensively. The mutual exchange of delegations and recent meetings, especially the two visits of Iranian President Dr. Pezeshkian to the Republic of Azerbaijan and the agreement to continue presidential meetings in the near future, attest to the commitment of both Tehran and Baku to expanding ties.
Now, with the resolution of the Karabakh conflict, the South Caucasus region stands at the threshold of a new era; a new space that has created a golden opportunity for peace, stability, and collective development. Our deep belief is that security and stability in this region are not imported commodities and can only be achieved through the participation of regional countries and without foreign interference.
As the West Asia region grapples with the return of the Trump administration's unilateral and tension-inducing policies and the dangerous adventures of the Zionist regime and Netanyahu, the vigilance of Tehran and Baku to preserve mutual interests—by maintaining stable, non-tension-prone, and predictable relations—is vital. This is because any factor that causes undesirable changes to the region's geopolitics is considered abnormal and requires joint prudence.
Undoubtedly, achieving sustainable stability requires comprehensiveness, avoiding plans that ignore the vital interests of neighbors, and utilizing indigenous capacities. This security intertwining necessitates that we intelligently prevent foreigners, whose interests lie in instability, from infiltrating the brotherly relations between the two countries.
In my visit to the friendly, brotherly, and neighboring country, the Republic of Azerbaijan, I am honored to carry a message of peace, friendship, and the decisive will of the Government and people of Iran to open a new and brilliant chapter in bilateral relations. This trip, undertaken in response to the warm invitation of the esteemed Foreign Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan, is not a typical diplomatic mission but a renewal of commitment to strengthening the historical kinship between the two nations.
We emphasize that the new regional environment provides fertile ground for strengthening convergence and purposeful expansion of economic cooperation in transit, energy, trade, investment, and human communication. The ultimate goal of this development in interactions is nothing less than building a prosperous future for both nations. Today, the will of Tehran and Baku is based on building a shared, bright, and sustainable future; a future where borders are gates of friendship and rivers sing songs of cooperation.
End Article