STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT OF IRAN MAHMOUD AHMADINEJAD
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful!
I am very pleased and thankful for this opportunity. I am here in the brotherly and friendly country at the invitation of the esteemed President of the Azerbaijan Republic, my close friend Mr. Ilham Aliyev.
The peoples of Azerbaijan and Iran have common history, religion and civilization. We have had solid and constantly expanding relations since the very outset of Azerbaijan’s independence. The Islamic Republic of Iran is decisively pursuing the policy towards expanding ties with friendly Azerbaijan. Praise be to the Almighty, our relations are on a high level. However, both sides consider that we have potential and strength to further expand our ties and raise their level. To date we have signed and realized a variety of agreements and documents.
Today we have had also important agreements and documents signed, each of which is a substantial step towards expansion of the fraternal links. We have negotiated regional and international issues. The discussions have demonstrated that our ideas and positions are very close to one another or the same. We are seeking expansion and strengthening our relations in political, economic and other fields.
Besides, there are possibilities to develop the links in oil/gas field, power and petrochemical industries, in trade, transport and engineer exchange. Experts are now exploring the issues, and working hard for them to be realized.
Our position is that conflicts between countries must be settled within justice and law, and through negotiations. Some are trying to create conflicts, and use violence and brutal methods for their resolution. They do not seek peace and stability. Based on the logic and the principle of justice, we support Azerbaijan’s position, and state that the conflict must be settled through negotiations and in the framework of the principle of justice.
We have negotiated regional and international issues, and we have similar positions on a lot of issues. I have invited Mr. President Ilham Aliyev to the Islamic Republic of Iran to participate in the summit of the Caspian littoral states. We hope this summit will play an important role in satisfying common interests of the Caspian countries, and will give an impetus to resolving problems and proper usage of their potential.
I am stating that the Islamic Republic of Iran decisively supports development of the Azerbaijan Republic. We want the neighboring country, Azerbaijan, to develop even more intensively. Both sides demonstrate serious will to expand and strengthen ties.
I thank Mr. Ilham Aliyev for inviting us, and the warm hospitality. I would like to state once again that we are close friends, symbols and representatives of the friendship between our two nations. We must direct our efforts and strength to bring our peoples closer.
I am thankful for the warm welcome and hospitality. I am convinced the visit by Mr. Ilham Aliyev to Teheran and my visit to Baku will foster development of friendship between the two countries and will serve peace, stability and security in the region.
Afterwards, the two leaders responded to questions from journalists.
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