Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit currently taking place in Astana, Kazakhstan. The meeting came as the two neighboring countries seek to strengthen economic and security ties in the region.
According to the Iranian presidential office, the two leaders discussed measures to expand bilateral cooperation in various fields, including trade, energy, and transportation. The Iranian side emphasized the importance of implementing previously signed joint projects and expressed a desire to further advance relations between Tehran and Baku.
On the Azerbaijani side, President Aliyev reportedly highlighted positive developments in regional cooperation, as well as the potential of the North-South transport corridor, in which both countries play key roles. The discussions also touched on recent developments in the South Caucasus region and issues of mutual interest within the SCO framework.
The meeting took place within the framework of the SCO summit, which brings together leaders of member and observer states. Iran officially became a full SCO member in 2023, while Azerbaijan maintains close partnership ties with the organization. The two presidents' meeting on the sidelines of the summit reflects efforts to maintain regular dialogue between Tehran and Baku, despite historical differences and complex regional issues.
Since Pezeshkian took office as Iran's president, the two sides have had several high-level contacts, demonstrating both governments' determination to deepen and stabilize bilateral relations.
