The relations existing between Azerbaijan and Iran in different fields have their own characteristic aspects. Closeness of the two nations from the viewpoint of religion, culture, and moral values, meanwhile existence of joint history are factors that affect the relations between Tehran and Baku.

In the first years of its independence the relations of the countries were complicated because of the contradictory policy pursued by the governing bodies. It is possible to characterize years of 1992-1993 as the most strained period of the relations between the two countries.

Only after the return of Heydar Aliyev to power in 1993 a new stage emerged in the relations with Iran. The official visit of President of Azerbaijan Republic Heydar Aliyev to Iran, his meetings with the heads of the government, and the documents signed there stimulated the improvement of the Azerbaijani-Iranian relations.

President Heydar Aliyev met the Supreme Religious Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ayetullah Seyyid Ali Khomaini during his visit. The existing relations and their future perspectives were discussed at the meeting.

President Heydar Aliyev also had fruitful meetings with President of Iran Hashimi Rafsafjani, head of the Parliament of Iran Natig Nuri, minister of foreign affairs Ali Akber Vilayati, minister of cooperation Gulam Reza Shafeyi and other officials. In these meetings negotiations were held on the development of cooperation between the two countries in the fields of economy, trade, culture, science, technology and in others, important results were achieved.

On 2^nd of July Heydar Aliyev made a speech in front of the students completed their studies in the diplomatic courses of Political Studies Center of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran. While talking about his official visit to that country and the character of the relations between two countries Heydar Aliyev mentioned: «at the invitation of the President of Iran Islam Republic esteemed Hashimi Rafsanjani it is the fourth day of my official visit to Iran. Here we had very beneficial meetings and I think that this visit is an important stage for the further development of the relations between Azerbaijan and Iran.»

On that day Heydar Aliyev made a speech at the press conference in Tehran. The President mentioned that he considered his first official visit to Iran was successful, and answered the questions of the journalists.

During the visit a statement containing of 13 articles on the development of friendly relations between two countries was signed. The statement determined the main principles of cooperation in all the fields of life.

As a result of the first official visit of President of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev to Iran and his negotiations, the process of development of the relations between two countries has started.