Iran, Azerbaijan keen to expand cooperation in water industry

Azerbaijan's Deputy Minister of Water Ahmad Ahmadzadeh in a meeting with Deputy Energy Minister Rasoul Zargar on Sunday reiterated the need for broader cooperation in the field and exchange of experiences.

During the meeting, the Azeri official presented a brief report on the activities of his country in the water sector.

Meanwhile, he invited Zargar to pay an official visit to his country in the near future.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Ahmadzadeh said that his visit to Iran takes place to give him an idea on Iran's activities in the water sector.

Expressing his satisfaction with Iran's great achievements in the field, he said that his country will certainly use such an experience.

He said that Aras river is considered as the river of friendship between the two countries, adding that Azerbaijan has proposed its plans for exploitation of the resources of this river, which will be certainly be finalized in the near future.

Assessing Iran's dam building industry, Ahmadzadeh said that rather than speaking about implementation of a particular dam, cooperation on exploitation of resources of Aras river should be discussed, given that activities in the field will be beneficial to both sides.

On his part, Zargar said that Iran has extensive cooperation with this brotherly and Muslim country and referred to Aras river as a symbol of friendship between Iran and Azerbaijan.

"Several joint dam projects, including Khoda-Afarin and Qaleh-Sabz dams as well as Ardoubad power plant are currently underway.

"At today's meeting, the Azeri deputy minister was briefed on the progress of the specified projects," he added.

Zargar hoped for further exchange of technical information and transfer of experience between the two sides. IRNA