President Aliyev: Azerbaijan-Iran friendship ‘important factor’ for regional stability

Friendship and brotherhood between Azerbaijan and Iran are an important factor for the stability of the region and for the strengthening of future security, said Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev as he addressed a ceremony to commission the Khudafarin hydroelectric complex and inaugurate the Giz Galasi hydroelectric complex on the Araz River, News.Az reports.

“We support each other in all international organizations of which we are members, and we will continue to do so,” President Aliyev emphasized.

The Azerbaijani leader also described the opening of the Giz Galasi hydroelectric complex and the commissioning of the Khudafarin hydroelectric complex as historic events.

The head of state expressed his gratitude to all Iranian experts, workers and friends who participated in the construction of this huge facility.

“Today, the whole world can see how strong Iran-Azerbaijani friendship is. This friendship has deep roots and a deep history,” he said.

“For centuries, the peoples of Iran and Azerbaijan have lived and created together, and I think that the interstate relations built on this solid foundation have reached the highest level,” President Aliyev added.

The Azerbaijani leader also revealed the country’s plans in the field of energy. “We have major plans in the field of energy. As already mentioned, the construction of two 280 megawatt hydropower plants is scheduled here,” he said.

“The liberated Karabakh and East Zangezur regions, as well as the Nakhchivan region, have been declared “green energy” zones in Azerbaijan. These regions make up about 25 percent of our territory. The creation of “green energy” sources in these regions will benefit the entire region,” the head of state underlined.

President Aliyev also welcomed Iran’s support for the ongoing peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

“The development of the region must be secured through the will of the peoples living in the countries of the region. The interference of non-regional countries in our affairs is unacceptable,” he said.

“If anyone – leaders of countries thousands of kilometers away from here – want to achieve any results in this region, let them talk to us. Inappropriate and unnecessary intervention has not brought about and will not bring about any results,” the Azerbaijani leader added.

He emphasized that regional issues should be resolved with the direct participation and determination of regional countries.

“I believe that Armenia should not take a wrong step. For many years, Armenia relied on the protection and support of countries located far from here. What was the result? The result was not very reassuring for them. The states of the region are strong states, they are states that conduct an independent policy. No outside force has ever succeeded in influencing the determination of these states, and they will not. I do hope that Armenia contributes to regional cooperation, not damage it, by conducting the right policy,” he said.

President Aliyev went on to say that the future development of Iran-Azerbaijan relations is also very positive.

“The Iran-Azerbaijan unity and friendship is unshakable. No one can drive a wedge between us. These efforts are in vain, and we are proving it again with today's ceremony,” the Azerbaijani leader concluded.

News.Az