As reported, the ambassador extra-ordinary and plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Azerbaijan, Javad Jahangirzadeh got acquainted with culture and production institutions of autonomous republic in the frame of his visit to Nakhchivan. Javad Jahangirzadeh gave an interview to “Sharg Qapisi” newspaper related to his visit to Nakhchivan:
- First of all, could you give some information about the aim of your visit ?
- The goal of my visit here is to get closely acquainted with Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. This acquaintance is of great importance from the point of extending our relations between our countries which make progress day by day. Today the relations existing between two significant states of the region, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan become stronger and our relations extend day by day. It was not accidental that 7 meetings were held between the president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Hassan Ruhani and the president of the Republic of Azerbaijan , Ilham Aliyev within three years. The frequent meetings of these state leaders, their mutual, useful discussions are rare events met in the region. Therefore, we can confidently say that our political, economic relations have grown considerably.
- How do you evaluate the relations between Iran and Azerbaijan, as well as, the role of Nakhchivan in these relations?
- There are high collaborative relations in all fields between Iran and Azerbaijan. The duties of diplomats are to serve the improvement of the relations between both countries. Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is one of the most beautiful places of Azerbaijan. Since Nakhchivan is the homeland of great literary men, cultural workers, politicians. In this mean, to see this wonderful land, to get acquainted with autonomous republic is honor for me. I had high level meetings here. We obtained positive results from those meetings. Iran and Azerbaijan mutually collaborate in a number of fields. The realization of the project to connect the railways of both countries is of a special significance. This will give its gift to the development of economic relations between Iran and Azerbaijan. Furthermore, the same railway will connect North Europe with South-Eastern Asia. The countries as China, India will be able to deliver their products to Europe in suitable ways. The transportation of the goods in opposite direction could be implemented, as well. This will give its gift to the development of economy of Iran and Azerbaijan. I have also been to Ordubad. I had heard about Ordubad long before. Ordubad is one of the most popular places of the region. The acquaintance with ancient “Geysariyya” building which is located in Ordubad region and Ordubad region History and Ethnography Museum made good impressions on me. I visited customs-passage stations, as well. The activity of the customs causes the increase of comings and goings to both sides, extensions of economic relations, the development of tourism. I would like to state one more thing that Nakhchivan-Mashhad railway line will begin to work , approximately after a month. The work in this direction is about to be completed. After Nakhchivan-Mashad railway line begins to work, Nakhchivan-born people will conveniently be able to go on a pilgrimage to Mashad. Visitors from Iran will be able to come to autonomous republic by means of passenger trains. Commencement of Nakhchivan-Mashad railway line to work will bring about the increase of comings and goings. Today Ordubad Hydro Electric Station is being constructed on the bank of the Aras river. Utilization of that station in the future will give great benefit to Nakhchivan. Since the number of production institutions increases in autonomous republic every day. And this, in its turn, increases the needs for energy. Using the engines to irrigate the lands increases the needs for energy. Our presidents have agreed to build those stations. The parliament of Iran confirmed that agreement. So that, there is no problem to continue the work.
- How were you impressed by Nakhchivan visit?
- Nakhchivan has very many places of interest. Today, Nakhchivan develops rapidly from social-economic point of view. The most important thing is that this progress is consistent. Together with the cities of autonomous republic, villages also have been reconstructed. May be, it is hard to see it from a long distance. However, visiting here, we obviously witness the development in a large scale. I wish Nakhchivan would develop hereinafter, too. While being in Nakhchivan Business Centre I saw the demonstration of hundred sorts of products made in autonomous republic. It is gratifying case that products are made in autonomous republic in some fields. The make of 366 brand named products is great success. The establishment of a multiple number of institutions is a positive case. I wish you would gain great achievements hereinafter, too. I desire peace, tranquility, prosperous life to my Azeri brothers and sisters. Iranian people always wanted Azerbaijan to develop and to live in peaceful conditions. Azerbaijan and Iran together will gain greater success.
-Thank you for the interview.