Iran opposes any foreign interference in regional affairs and believes that issues should be resolved by the countries within the region, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said during a meeting with his Azerbaijani counterpart.

According to The Iran Project, "I appreciate the hosting of the 15th General Assembly of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly, and I am pleased that this bilateral meeting is also taking place alongside it," Qalibaf told Sahiba Gafarova, the speaker of Azerbaijan’s National Assembly, during a meeting on the sidelines of the 15th General Assembly of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly.

"This provides an excellent opportunity to enhance parliamentary relations between our two countries," Qalibaf said.

He emphasized Iran’s policy of strengthening all-encompassing ties with neighboring countries, highlighting the deep-rooted friendship between the Iranian and Azerbaijani nations. "This friendship has adversaries, but we must work to deepen it further," he said, stressing the need to expand economic and transit cooperation.

Qalibaf recalled Iran’s support for Azerbaijan during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. "During difficult times, including the Karabakh war, the Iranian people and leadership backed Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity," he said. "Now, these ties should continue to strengthen."

Discussing trilateral cooperation between Iran, Azerbaijan, and Russia, Qalibaf noted its significance in economic relations and energy transit. "The North-South Transit Corridor and routes to Europe and the Far East can be expanded through joint efforts, benefiting all three countries," he stated.

Qalibaf also underlined Iran’s commitment to enhancing cooperation in rail, road, and energy transit sectors. "We must accelerate our joint railway and road projects," he said. He added that ongoing infrastructure projects should facilitate travel between citizens of both countries and should not be hindered by external actors opposed to stronger ties.

He further stressed the importance of defense cooperation in ensuring regional security. "We do not accept foreign military intervention in our region," Qalibaf said. "Regional issues should be resolved through regional mechanisms, such as the 3+3 format, which can contribute to peace and stability."

Referring to evolving regional dynamics, Qalibaf called for prioritizing parliamentary cooperation. "Friendship groups in both parliaments should actively work to strengthen economic ties," he said, urging efforts to improve border trade, transportation, and air travel between Tehran and Baku. "These initiatives will boost bilateral trade."