Baku: The Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan have commenced the 17th session of their Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation in Baku, with a focus on expanding transport cooperation, completing shared border infrastructure, and enhancing cultural exchanges, according to an Iranian official.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Amin Tarraffo, head of the International Affairs Center at Iran's Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, stated that the discussions cover all facets of bilateral cooperation, emphasizing transport connectivity and cross-border infrastructure development. He mentioned that final agreements are expected to be formalized in a memorandum of understanding signed by the heads of the two national commissions.

Taraffo noted that the meeting is also reviewing programs and capacities that the two countries aim to realize and expand by next year. He highlighted significant progress in Iran-Azerbaijan relations over the past year and a half, especially in rail and road border infrastructure, which he described as crucial for facilitating trade flows.

The two-day meeting, scheduled for March 4-5, will be co-chaired by Iran's Roads and Urban Development Minister Farzaneh Sadegh and Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev.