RECIPROCAL VISITS PROMOTED IMPROVEMENT OF BILATERAL RELATIONS
Azertag
[September 11, 2004, 16:23:21]
On 10 September, the defense minister of Azerbaijan Republic,
colonel-general Safar Abiyev met the ambassador of Iran in Baku
Mr. Ahad Gazai, on completion of the latterâ^À^Ùs diplomatic mission
in Azerbaijan.
Noting the diplomatâ^À^Ùs activity for improvement of the bilateral
relations between Azerbaijan and Iran during his mission, the Minister
expressed regret that though neighboring counties, the military
cooperation between the states are not at desirable level. The state
of IRI has rendered huge assistance to the refugees and IDPs when
the territories of Azerbaijan were occupied by Armenia. The Minister
expressed gratitude for rendered assistance.
Ambassador Gazai expressed gratitude for reception, and spoke of
his activities during his four-year tenure as an ambassador for
improvement of Iran-Azerbaijan relations, as a result of which some
â^À^Üobscureâ^À^Ý questions between the two states were clarified and
the situation, though not ideal, has bettered. Reciprocal visits of
the national leader of Azerbaijan people Heydar Aliyev in 2002 and
of President of IRI Khatami current year have promoted this.
Touching upon the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorny Karabakh conflict,
colonel-general Safar Abiyev, said that in settlement of this problem
the people of Azerbaijan expects more from Iran and stressed the
necessity of Iranâ^À^Ùs close participation in fi9nding way out of this
conflict. The conflict cannot last anymore, he emphasized. â^À^ÜIf
Armenia does not agree in peaceful settlement of the conflict,
Azerbaijan will in any way release the occupied landsâ^À^Ý.
The parties had also exchange of views on combat against international
terrorism, stressed such a factor that the Islamic religion and
culture condemns terror.
The Minister thanked Ambassador for his activity in Azerbaijan and
wished success in further diplomatic work.
Attaché of the Armed Forces of IRI in Baku, MG Musa Shahabi attended
the meeting.