On May 19, President Ilham Aliyev of the Republic of Azerbaijan and President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi of the Islamic Republic of Iran met at the state border between their countries. The meeting included the presence of delegations from both nations.

"Khudafarin" and "Giz Galasi" hydroelectric complexes

Both presidents participated in a ceremony to commission the "Khudafarin" hydroelectric complex and inaugurate the "Giz Galasi" hydroelectric complex on the Araz River. The heads of state officially launched the "Khudafarin" and "Giz Galasi" hydroelectric complexes. Following the launch, a video presentation related to these hydroelectric complexes was held. 

These complexes, constructed on the Araz River at the border between Azerbaijan and Iran, were designed for electricity generation and irrigation purposes. The projects for these complexes originated from an agreement signed between the Soviet Union and Iran in October 1977. Construction, which began in the early 1990s, was halted due to the occupation of 20% of Azerbaijani territory by Armenia but was subsequently continued solely by Iran. The construction of the dams for the "Khudafarin" and "Giz Galasi" hydroelectric complexes has been completed. The "Khudafarin" water reservoir currently holds 503 million cubic meters of water, while the "Giz Galasi" reservoir holds 42 million cubic meters, constituting 40% and 85% of their total capacities, respectively.

Press statements

On May 19, during a ceremony to commission the "Khudafarin" hydroelectric complex and inaugurate the "Giz Galasi" hydroelectric complex on the Araz River, Aliyev highlighted the importance of Iranian-Azerbaijani friendship and brotherhood for regional stability and future security. "We support each other in all international organizations of which we are members, and we will continue to do so," he emphasized.

President Aliyev underscored the strong, historical roots of Iran-Azerbaijani friendship, stating, "Today, the whole world can see how strong Iran-Azerbaijani friendship is. This friendship has deep roots and a deep history." He added that the peoples of Iran and Azerbaijan have coexisted and collaborated for centuries, and the solid foundation of their relationship has reached its highest level.

Addressing the ongoing border definition process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, President Aliyev noted, "We are seeing the initial positive results of this process." He expressed optimism for a peace agreement and appreciated Iran's support in this matter. He also remarked on the importance of regional autonomy, saying, "The development of the region must be secured through the will of the peoples living in the countries of the region. The interference of non-regional countries in our affairs is unacceptable."

President Aliyev further emphasized that efforts by distant countries to influence the region should be directed through local leaders, stating, "Inappropriate and unnecessary intervention has not brought about and will not bring about any results." He also highlighted the unshakeable nature of Iran-Azerbaijan relations, asserting that no external efforts could undermine their unity, as demonstrated by the day's ceremony.

Raisi echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Iran and Azerbaijan's profound and deep-rooted bond. "Iran's relationship with Azerbaijan is more than a relationship with a neighbor. It is a kinship," he said, attributing this bond to their shared historical, cultural, and religious ties.

Death of Iranian delegation after plane crash 

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, known for enforcing brutal crackdowns on political opposition, has tragically died in a helicopter crash landing in the country’s north. The incident occurred when the helicopter carrying President Raisi and his delegation made a "hard landing" in East Azerbaijan Province, Iran, following a visit to neighboring Azerbaijan. Raisi was returning with a government delegation that had attended the Giz Galasi Dam's inauguration on the Azerbaijan border. Two helicopters traveling with Raisi made their destination unharmed. Under the Iranian constitution, Iran’s vice-first president takes over if the president dies with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s assent. A new presidential election would be called within 50 days.

Ebrahim Raisi, an ultra-conservative politician and cleric, has had a significant and influential career in Iran's judicial and political systems. Born in the city of Mashhad, Raisi grew up in a conservative family and pursued a religious education, which set the foundation for his future roles in the Iranian government. Raisi's career began at a young age when he was appointed deputy prosecutor of Tehran at just 25 years old. His rise within the judicial ranks continued as he later became the prosecutor of Tehran. He subsequently held several key positions, including the head of the General Inspection Organization of Iran and the first deputy judge of the Supreme Court. In 2014, Raisi was appointed the Prosecutor General of Iran, further solidifying his role in the judiciary. In 2017, Raisi unexpectedly bid for the presidency but did not win. However, his political career continued to advance. In 2019, he was appointed the head of the judiciary, placing him at the center of Iran's legal and political landscape. Raisi's persistence paid off in 2021 when he won the presidential election, though the lowest voter turnout in the history of the Islamic Republic marked the election. His presidency has been characterized by his conservative stance and commitment to the principles of the Islamic Revolution.

Azerbaijan's reaction

The helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, and other officials has led to condolences from Azerbaijani officials.

President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan sent a heartfelt letter to Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, expressing his shock and sorrow over the tragic loss. He highlighted the deep bond of friendship and brotherhood between Azerbaijan and Iran, emphasizing the significant contributions of President Raisi and others who perished in the crash. President Aliyev extended his deepest condolences to the Iranian people and the families of the deceased, stressing that their cherished memories would forever remain in the hearts of Azerbaijanis.

Similarly, Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry conveyed its condolences through a post on X (formerly Twitter), mourning the loss of the Iranian officials and expressing solidarity with Iran during this difficult time. The Ministry described the deaths as a "tragic loss beyond words" and reaffirmed Azerbaijan's support for the brotherly nation of Iran.

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov also shared his condolences on X, noting his deep shock at the news and expressing his sorrow over losing his dear friend, Foreign Minister Huseyn Amir Abdollahian. He extended heartfelt sympathies to the families and friends of those who died and to the Iranian people.

Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament Sahiba Gafarova sent her condolences to her Iranian counterpart, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. She offered her support and wished the families of the deceased patience and strength. She expressed her deep condolences on behalf of herself and the MPs of the Milli Majlis.

Prime Minister Ali Asadov of Azerbaijan addressed a condolence letter to Iran's First Vice President, Mohammad Mokhber. In his letter, Asadov conveyed his deep sorrow and condolences to the families and relatives of those who perished in the accident, sharing in the grief of the Iranian people.