Iranscope magazine interviews Azerbaijan’s Consul General in Tabriz
Baku, June 5 (AZERTAC). Azerbaijani Consul General in Tabriz Ali Alizade has been interviewed by Iranscope magazine.
The interview says: “A great deal has been accomplished thus far, and there is still a lot more to come. Our relations with the new government in Iran are of a rather fine quality and as you may as well know, during such a short while, the Presidents of Iran and Azerbaijan have met twice and exchanged views toward extended developmental aspects. We, too, are responsible to arrange negotiations and also fulfill diplomatic needs on behalf of our respective country.
Iran and Azerbaijan have pretty much a lot in common. Both share the same historical, religious, lingual and cultural backgrounds. We also own many spiritual commonalities. In these very four years I served as the consul general here, I have tried to implement a developmental approach on all four provinces under my duty with the Republic of Azerbaijan, and there have been lots of accomplishments as well. In cooperation with the four provinces, we have embarked on numerous projects, which, nonetheless, are not sufficient if you ask me. I believe such collaborations have to be elevated as much as possible.
I would like to name some of those which we accomplished over the past 4 years, and of course, I can remember. One of them was the Baku-Tabriz direct flight. First, only 2 flights a week used to be conducted; but now, the number has gone up to three every week. Also, I can tell you about the Azerbaijan-Iran Cultural Week in Tehran and Tabriz which is held on an alternate basis between the two countries. Moreover, we have conducted some joint projects with Western Azerbaijan and Ardebil, including the eased border transportations, the beginning of ground transportations between Iran and Azerbaijan and many other mutual trips. Some other bills have been approved of, too. As you well know, the target region for the activities of Azerbaijan’s Consulate is of paramount importance in Azerbaijan-Iran relations, therefore Iran’s Eastern Azerbaijan possesses a very strategic location too.
Speaking of holding cultural weeks between Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan, when was the last time such a week was celebrated?
It goes back to 2010, and the occasion was held in both Tehran and Tabriz in a parallel manner.
In your opinion, which aspect of the cultural potentials between the two countries can be promoted in any of these four provinces?
Both countries enjoy quite rich cultures and histories. We always seek to extend the cultural interactions. Presenting a clear image of the cultures of Iran and Azerbaijan is a must. The Republic of Azerbaijan, of course, holds a lot of events to familiarize different people with its culture. Iran, as an Islamic country, is of significant importance for Azerbaijan and we strive to introduce more of its culture to Iran.
In accordance with the agreements between the tourism companies of the two countries, Iranian citizens can offer their tourist watchers which give them the possibility to get the visa for only $20, whereas the normal cost is $35. That is another measure we have taken to make the whole setting easier.
In sports, also, we have quite good contacts. In various areas the Azerbaijan, Olympic Sport Complexes have been established. Building such establishments can be proposed by Iran, why not? Also, a joint economic, commercial and philanthropic commission is planned to be chaired in which such bills can be discussed, or finally passed.
The expansion of parliamentary ties happens at the level of embassies. But the parliamentary friendship group between the two countries is actively working, and its members are the MPs for these very four provinces. And those Azerbaijani members of the group are well familiar with Iran.
I have done my fair share in this matter, but unfortunately, have not been able to meet with any of them yet. Even for our own celebrations, we invite them personally. However, there have been meetings at the local events. Yet our relations occur at the level of friendship groups.
The doors here are open to all the officials and Iranians who are interested in expanding the ties between the two countries.”
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