Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan Discuss Trade Transit at Trilateral Meeting
According to the Economic Desk of Webangah News Agency, a trilateral meeting was hosted in Astara, Iran, on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, featuring high-ranking customs officials from the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Russian Federation, and the Republic of Azerbaijan. The primary focus of the gathering was to address customs obstacles, harmonize operational procedures, and expedite the transit of goods among the three countries.
The Iranian delegation was led by Ebrahim Naghdi, Deputy for Legal Affairs and Customs Supervision of the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration. The Russian delegation was headed by Alexey Vladimirovich Timofeev, Deputy Head of the Federal Customs Service of Russia, while Fuad Muhammadov, Deputy Head of the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan, led the Azerbaijani delegation.
Participants emphasized the need for greater coordination in customs formalities and commodity standards, alongside the expansion and enhancement of customs infrastructure. The anticipated outcome of the meeting is to boost trade volumes, reduce transportation times and costs, and foster stronger regional economic cooperation.
During the meeting, Ebrahim Naghdi highlighted the importance of increasing transit volumes between Iran, Russia, and Azerbaijan, stating that the three countries are committed to addressing challenges in cross-border trade through direct, expert-level engagement.
Naghdi stressed the necessity of increasing the movement of cargo carriers and expanding trade, exports, and transit among the three neighboring countries, noting that current trade volumes are not satisfactory and require substantial improvement.
He also emphasized the need to increase the capacity for handling transit trucks at the Astara land border, adding that the Azerbaijani side has pledged cooperation to boost trade between Iran and Azerbaijan. This includes ensuring the swift passage of perishable agricultural products while maintaining necessary controls and standards.
Naghdi stated that the volume of transit trucks at the Astara and Bileh Suvar customs points must increase, and border delays for export trucks at the borders of Iran and Azerbaijan should be minimized.
The selection of Astara as the host city underscores its strategic importance as a gateway connecting Iran with the Caucasus region and Eurasia, playing a pivotal role in trilateral trade and transit.
