In a recent interview with Baku TV, Iran's ambassador to Baku, Seyyed Abbas Mousavi, revealed that a delegation from Azerbaijan has journeyed to Tehran to arrange for the reopening of their embassy in Iran, aiming to mend diplomatic strains from last year. Mousavi underscored the rich historical ties between the two neighboring nations and emphasized their commitment to resolving any misunderstandings to maintain strong bilateral relations.

According to Mousavi, "The historical background of the two countries and the deep cultural and emotional relations between the people on both sides of the border of about 800 kilometers between Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan do not allow problems and misunderstandings to continue."

The ambassador remarked that both nations endeavored to navigate through the "icy period" in their bilateral relations with "wisdom, tact and resourcefulness" aiming to turn a new page in their bilateral ties.

A year on from the incident

"The incident on January 27, 2023, and the attack on the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Tehran was very poignant, unpredictable, and surprising," Mousavi said, before adding that however, "all the evidence and the subsequent visits of the judicial and security officials of the two countries and the confession of the assailant showed that the action was individual and with personal motives," he added. "The suspect was arrested, tried, and sentenced to severe punishment."

Highlighting the conspicuous involvement of certain countries and regimes, particularly their security agencies, in fostering tensions between Iran and Azerbaijan, the ambassador emphasized that "In its foreign policy, the Islamic Republic of Iran moves forward based on stable principles and foundations that cannot be violated or changed."

Mousavi then reaffirmed that activities of the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Tehran will "soon" resume.

Relations and strategic interests

Mousavi also highlighted a transportation corridor that links the Caucasian state to its exclave of Nakhchivan, bypassing Armenia through Iranian territory.

"Iran has connected Nakhchivan to the mainland of the Republic of Azerbaijan for more than 30 years, and now we intend to develop and diversify this route," adding, "The air route connecting to Nakhchivan also passes through Iran."

Emphasizing the collaborative efforts between Tehran and Baku, Mousavi noted the development of "large economic projects" aimed at fostering deeper economic integration between the two neighboring countries.