BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 27. Azerbaijan’s
efforts to expand its reception capacity during the conflict
between the United States, Israel, and Iran are commendable, said
Foroud Asgari, Iran’s Deputy Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade,
and Head of the Customs Administration, following a visit to the
Bilasuvar border customs post,Trend reports.


He noted that cooperation between Iran and Azerbaijan at the
border remains at an appropriate level, adding that no issues were
recorded at border crossing points during the conflict period and
that the neighboring countries demonstrated strong
coordination.


Asgari stated that plans are underway to increase export,
import, and transit operations through the Bilasuvar border
crossing. Due to its proximity to Central Asian countries, it has
been decided to upgrade the checkpoint into a Main Directorate,
with the necessary budget to be allocated.


“Necessary authority has been granted to the Bilasuvar border
checkpoint to simplify the release of goods and take the required
steps to ensure the satisfaction of business representatives. These
measures are expected to transform the Ardabil-Bilasuvar Free Trade
Zone into one of the country’s more active free trade zones. Iran
hopes that this customs point will play an active role in supplying
raw materials for the country’s production sector and even in the
import of essential goods,” he said.


Meanwhile, as no tangible progress was made in the nuclear
negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, the situation escalated on
February 28, when the United States and Israel launched military
airstrikes against Iran. In retaliation, Iran initiated missile and
drone strikes targeting Israeli and U.S. installations in the
region. Following these developments, a two-week ceasefire
agreement was brokered on April 7 through Pakistan's mediation.
However, during subsequent talks between the U.S. and Iran in
Islamabad on April 11, no consensus was reached.


On April 21, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he extended
the ceasefire until Iran submits its proposal and discussions are
concluded, one way or the other.


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