Iran Rejects Foreign Interference in Region, Calls for Regional Cooperation

"I appreciate the hosting of the 15th General Assembly of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly, and I am pleased that this bilateral meeting is also taking place alongside it," Qalibaf told Sahiba Gafarova, the speaker of Azerbaijan’s National Assembly, during a meeting on the sidelines of the 15th General Assembly of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly.

"This provides an excellent opportunity to enhance parliamentary relations between our two countries," Qalibaf said.

He emphasized Iran’s policy of strengthening all-encompassing ties with neighboring countries, highlighting the deep-rooted friendship between the Iranian and Azerbaijani nations. "This friendship has adversaries, but we must work to deepen it further," he said, stressing the need to expand economic and transit cooperation.

Qalibaf recalled Iran’s support for Azerbaijan during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. "During difficult times, including the Karabakh war, the Iranian people and leadership backed Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity," he said. "Now, these ties should continue to strengthen."

Discussing trilateral cooperation between Iran, Azerbaijan, and Russia, Qalibaf noted its significance in economic relations and energy transit. "The North-South Transit Corridor and routes to Europe and the Far East can be expanded through joint efforts, benefiting all three countries," he stated.

Qalibaf also underlined Iran’s commitment to enhancing cooperation in rail, road, and energy transit sectors. "We must accelerate our joint railway and road projects," he said. He added that ongoing infrastructure projects should facilitate travel between citizens of both countries and should not be hindered by external actors opposed to stronger ties.

He further stressed the importance of defense cooperation in ensuring regional security. "We do not accept foreign military intervention in our region," Qalibaf said. "Regional issues should be resolved through regional mechanisms, such as the 3+3 format, which can contribute to peace and stability."

Referring to evolving regional dynamics, Qalibaf called for prioritizing parliamentary cooperation. "Friendship groups in both parliaments should actively work to strengthen economic ties," he said, urging efforts to improve border trade, transportation, and air travel between Tehran and Baku. "These initiatives will boost bilateral trade."

He expressed hope that both embassies, friendship groups, and business communities would actively contribute to facilitating cooperation. "I expect this visit to result in practical steps toward easing trade and transportation," he added.

Gafarova, for her part, reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to deepening parliamentary relations with Iran. "I agree that new conditions have emerged in the South Caucasus, and both bilateral and multilateral relations are of great importance," she said.

She emphasized Azerbaijan’s position that regional issues should be resolved by regional actors. "We support the 3+3 dialogue format and believe that external powers should not interfere, as their presence only fuels tensions," Gafarova stated. "In economic and humanitarian matters, we must not allow third parties to disrupt progress."

Highlighting the significant potential for cooperation, she noted that parliaments play a vital role in supporting government policies. "Without peace and stability, development is impossible," she said, rejecting the involvement of non-regional countries. "As representatives of our people, we must focus on advancing shared interests and following up on joint projects."

Gafarova pointed to the long history of parliamentary collaboration between the two nations. "Moving forward, we must continue strengthening this relationship, as it has always been a priority for Azerbaijan’s parliament," she stated.

She also stressed the importance of institutionalizing cooperation through international partnerships. "Azerbaijan’s 15 parliamentary committees, including those focused on transportation, can facilitate legal frameworks to enhance bilateral ties," she said. "Given the current geopolitical landscape, neighboring countries like Iran and Azerbaijan must foster closer and deeper relations."

Gafarova concluded by underscoring the role of friendship groups in fostering further cooperation. "Strengthening these mechanisms can serve as a catalyst for expanding and deepening our bilateral relations," she said.