  Tehran, Baku sign economic MOUFebruary 23, 2009 - 22:16 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Foreign ministers of Iran and Azerbaijan signed a memorandum of understanding in Baku on Thursday at their 7th joint economic commission.The 114-article deal stipulates the ways for the promotion of ties in the fields of trade, transportation, urban development, gas and oil, petrochemicals, agriculture, industry, banking, environment, culture, tourism, health, and education. Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki referred to signing the MOU as` a positive step' towards the expansion of bilateral relations, adding the deal would augment the two-way annual trade to $1.5 billion from the current $700 million. Azeri official Elmar Mammadyarov said that the sides enjoy great potentials to develop economic cooperation. "Five ad hoc working groups have been formed chaired by the foreign ministers of the two countries to direct the joint economic commission's activities," said Mamedyarov. During his one-day visit, Mottaki also held talks with Azeri President Ilham Aliyev, and Parliament Speaker Ogtay Asadov, Tehran Times Economic Desk reports.   Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Related sections Latest news Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty  Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty.Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza.Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations.Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |
