TEHRAN- Abbas Mousavi, Iran's ambassador to Azerbaijan, noted that after attempts by both sides to clear up misconceptions, Tehran and Baku have underlined the need to “open a new chapter” in ties between the two neighbors.

After meeting with the Azerbaijani President’s aide, Hikmet Hajiyev, in Tehran on Saturday, Mousavi shared his thoughts on X. 

He continued, “In my recent meeting with Hikmet Hajiyev, the assistant of the Azerbaijani President, we reviewed the latest developments in the South Caucasus region and bilateral relations between Iran and Azerbaijan.”

“We emphasized the need to open a new chapter in the relations between the two neighbors,” the envoy added.

In anticipation of reopening their embassy in the Islamic Republic after diplomatic difficulties over the previous year, an Azerbaijani team visited Tehran on Thursday. 

In an interview with Baku TV, Abbas Mousavi emphasized that they would not allow “misunderstandings” to continue and damage their relationship while applauding the “historical background” between the two neighboring nations. 

Along with declaring that a group has visited Tehran to begin preparations, he added that the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Tehran would “soon” start its operations. 

Mousavi further emphasized that in order to create “greater economic entanglement” between the two neighbors, Tehran and Baku are developing “large economic projects.”

He added, "Both nations have worked to overcome past challenges through strategic diplomacy and usher in a new era of bilateral relations."

Mousavi stressed, "The shared history and deep cultural and emotional connections between the peoples on both sides of the approximately 800-kilometer border between Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan prevent issues and misunderstandings from lingering."

He continued, "We have actively pursued a course of reconciliation and renewal in bilateral relations, leveraging wisdom, insight, and foresight. The disruptive influence of shared adversaries, alongside select regional actors and regimes, particularly through their security apparatus, is palpable in exacerbating tensions between Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan."

Mousavi further affirmed the steadfast and principled approach of the current Iranian administration's neighborly policy.

After an attack on the nation’s embassy in Tehran in January of last year, which Baku called a “terrorist act,” the country’s relations with Iran were tense. 

“Personal and family-related problems” were the attack’s motivation, according to an early Iranian inquiry. 

Last year, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman told reporters that the Republic of Azerbaijan has assured Iran that it has no intention to take military action against neighboring Armenia.

“We are in contact with the officials of Armenia and Azerbaijan. Officials of Armenia had expressed worry over a possible new clash on the part of Azerbaijan but officials of Azerbaijan have sent messages to us that they have no intention to take any military action,” Nasser Kanaani stated.

“Because of the importance of the developments in the Caucasus and the impact of any instability, unrest, and new tension in the region on the entire region,” Iran is sensitive about the security of its northern borders and is closely watching the situation, he pointed out.