Security, economy and logistics: key themes of Araghchi’s visit to Azerbaijan

Pars Today – Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, leading a political delegation, arrived in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, to meet and consult with Azerbaijani officials.

In Baku, the Iranian foreign minister met with President Ilham Aliyev, Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, and other officials of the country.

Esmaeil Baqaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, referring to Araghchi’s visit to Baku, emphasized that Iran’s relationship with Azerbaijan is extremely important. He noted that the two neighboring countries share the same faith, culture, and deep historical connections.

Baqaei added that the aim of these visits and diplomatic trips is to expand relations and help strengthen understanding, peace, and stability in the Caucasus region, which is also of great importance to Iran.

Araghchi’s visit to Baku is significant across political, economic, cultural, and security dimensions. The key aspects of his consultations with Azerbaijani officials include strengthening bilateral cooperation, managing border disputes, and advancing joint economic projects. This visit is seen, in particular, as a strategic response to pressures and attempts by certain foreign powers to drive a wedge between Tehran and Baku.

Projects such as the North–South International Corridor and the Aras Corridor are among Tehran’s priorities. These routes not only increase Iran’s transit revenues but also strengthen the country’s geopolitical position as a regional logistics hub. Cooperation with Baku on these projects is important for Iran.

Collaboration on transit and energy corridors not only generates shared economic benefits but also increases mutual dependence between the two countries and helps prevent the influence of external powers.

Some extra-regional powers have attempted to influence Iran–Azerbaijan relations and create divisions. Araghchi’s visit demonstrates Iran’s proactive diplomacy to prevent such rifts and consolidate neighborly relations.

Araghchi’s talks with the President and Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan will focus on strengthening Tehran–Baku relations in political, economic, and security areas. The two countries share deep historical, religious, and cultural ties, and Araghchi’s visit could pave the way for redefining relations based on these commonalities.

Iran and Azerbaijan’s security and economic cooperation form two main pillars for stabilizing the South Caucasus. By building political trust, economic interdependence, and countering external influence, these collaborations not only serve the interests of both countries but also allow the entire region to move beyond cycles of historical tension toward sustainable development. Iran believes that lasting security can only be achieved through the cooperation of all regional countries.

Araghchi’s visit and consultations in Baku can be analyzed within the framework of Tehran’s new foreign policy strategy, which is based on pragmatism, the development of shared infrastructure, and the consolidation of Iran’s geopolitical position in the South Caucasus and Eurasia. Iran aims to elevate its relations with Azerbaijan, strengthening the foundations of sustainable cooperation with its northern neighbor while preparing its foreign policy agenda for the coming year.

International transport corridors, such as the North–South and Aras corridors, are at the center of attention. These projects not only bring economic benefits but also enable Iran to play a pivotal role in the new regional transport network. By consolidating its position in these networks, Iran strengthens its geopolitical and economic standing.

Araghchi’s meetings and consultations with Azerbaijani officials also demonstrate that Tehran intends to resolve misunderstandings arising from Western-aligned media campaigns and external pressures through direct diplomacy and dialogue with Baku.