Adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Akbar Velayati earlier made a statement on Azerbaijan-Iran ties, saying that Iran and Azerbaijan share a common historical heritage and traditions, calling the people of Azerbaijan “the light of our eyes” and pointing out that some had been spreading biased rumors recently that Iran wanted to go to war with Azerbaijan.
“We commend Ali Akbar Velayati’s view that our peoples share a common history, religious, cultural heritage and traditions, as well as his opinions on Azerbaijani-Iranian ties in general.
“We regret to note that a number of recent statements by certain Iranian officials, members of parliament and representatives of security agencies have triggered increased tension between the two countries. Azerbaijan did not initiate this tension. In particular I would like to mention that the two military exercises the Iranian Armed Forces conducted near the Azerbaijani borders have not helped confidence-building between the two countries, but on the contrary they had an adverse effect. Azerbaijan has at all times been interested in developing relations with Iran on the basis of mutual respect and trust, and it is still the case today,” Hajiyev said, commenting on Velayati’s statement.