In a meeting with Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan for Foreign Policy Affairs, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed a desire to enhance relations with neighboring and Islamic countries while emphasizing the importance of internal unity.

Why It Matters:
Strengthening ties with neighboring and Islamic nations is crucial for Iran as it seeks to bolster regional stability and economic cooperation. This approach aims to counter external pressures and promote solidarity among Muslim countries.

The Big Picture:
During the discussions, Pezeshkian highlighted the brotherly and familial nature of Iran-Azerbaijan relations, stressing the need to overcome trade and transportation barriers. He reiterated Iran's commitment to maintaining the territorial integrity of regional countries and rejected any changes to borders, citing the necessity of unity in the face of external influences.

What He Is Saying:
Pezeshkian stated, "We are committed to developing relations and synergy among all Islamic countries and increasing the power of the Islamic world." He emphasized that any division among Muslims could invite external interference and discord. He also expressed a personal connection to Azerbaijan, recalling his previous visit and expressing hope to return soon.

Key Points:
Pezeshkian underscored the importance of enhancing cooperation in various sectors, including economic, political, cultural, defense, and security.
Hajiyev conveyed greetings from Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and expressed Azerbaijan's strong desire to elevate bilateral relations.
Both sides acknowledged the favorable conditions for strengthening ties and emphasized the importance of mutual respect and collaboration.

Go Deeper:
The discussions between Iran and Azerbaijan reflect a broader strategy to foster regional cooperation and address shared challenges.

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