Experience shows that sustainable and constructive relations with neighboring states are only possible when certain core principles are upheld. Chief among them are a commitment to open dialogue and a refusal to engage in destructive rhetoric or action. Adherence to these principles often helps to prevent crises before they emerge. Neighboring relations inherently require a readiness for engagement, flexibility, and the pursuit of compromise.
For decades, Azerbaijan’s foreign policy has been rooted in these values. As a result, the country has built a consistent and principled approach to good neighborliness, based on mutual respect, trust, and understanding. Official Baku continues to prioritize strong partnerships with all neighboring states, affirming that regional cooperation remains a central pillar of its foreign policy.
Azerbaijan has established solid formats of cooperation with Turkey, Russia, Iran, Georgia, and the Central Asian republics. These efforts have contributed not only to strengthening bilateral relations but also to promoting stability in the broader regional landscape. Challenges persist — whether in the form of radical political elements or the resurgence of neo-imperial ambitions — yet it is through multilateral cooperation that regional states are forging a more resilient security architecture.
The recent high-level meeting in Baku between the presidents of Azerbaijan and Iran, Ilham Aliyev and Masoud Pezeshkian, marked a new chapter in the evolving strategic partnership between the two countries. Despite the tragic explosion in Bandar Abbas that curtailed the Iranian leader’s visit, the atmosphere of the talks remained constructive and focused. Both sides reaffirmed their willingness to deepen cooperation, with the tone of the meeting reflecting a high level of mutual respect and political maturity.
The foundations of today’s Iran–Azerbaijan relationship were laid in the 1990s under the leadership of Heydar Aliyev, who managed to preserve diplomatic dialogue and create a platform for economic cooperation in a challenging period. Building on that legacy, President Ilham Aliyev has since recalibrated the bilateral agenda to reflect new geopolitical realities, emphasizing the countries’ shared cultural, historical, and strategic interests.
Today, Azerbaijan and Iran are also contributing to the development of the Global South. Their cooperation extends beyond pragmatic diplomacy, expressing a shared aspiration for a more equitable international order and deeper participation in global processes.
In this context, core principles of international law—sovereignty, non-interference in domestic affairs, and global security—have taken on renewed significance. The resilience of bilateral ties depends not only on political will but also on the ability to safeguard those relations from external pressures. Mutual trust remains a key element in ensuring that resilience.
Current geopolitical conditions further elevate the importance of regional stability, particularly in the South Caucasus. Both countries are located in a zone of heightened turbulence, where neutralizing potential risks is increasingly vital. Azerbaijan’s restored control over its border following the Second Karabakh War became a stabilizing factor, while President Aliyev’s visit to Khudaferin symbolically marked the beginning of a new phase in bilateral relations. The so-called “Friendship Bridge” has come to symbolize this renewed connection.
Both sides stress the importance of maintaining positive momentum not only in the political and cultural spheres, but also in economic cooperation. Although trade volumes remain relatively modest, the Baku meeting resulted in concrete agreements aimed at strengthening economic ties, particularly in transportation, energy, and communications.
Special emphasis is being placed on the diversification of transport corridors. Initiatives such as the “Araz Corridor” and the Rasht–Astara railway demonstrate a shared intent to reinforce logistical connectivity and transform the region into a strategic hub linking the Caspian Sea, the Black Sea, and the Persian Gulf. These initiatives create favorable conditions for expanding trade and enhancing the region’s role in Eurasian logistics.
No less important are the prospects for cooperation in the energy sector, including renewables. The geographical and natural advantages of both countries provide a strong basis for developing energy exports and building an integrated regional energy network.
Azerbaijan and Iran also maintain active engagement on key international platforms such as the OIC, D-8, SCO, and BRICS. Their coordinated approach highlights a mutual interest in contributing to broader multilateral frameworks.
The outcomes of the Iranian president’s official visit to Baku demonstrate that both sides are focused not on symbolic rapprochement, but on building a practical and forward-looking partnership. The decisions and agreements reached will lay the groundwork for new zones of joint development. This kind of constructive energy, rooted in mutual respect and strategic foresight, is increasingly essential in today’s world.
