The latest diplomatic activity with Baku and Tashkent has given fresh impetus to that approach, focusing particularly on trade, investment, transportation, energy, cultural exchanges and the implementation of existing agreements.

Azerbaijan: Turning a shared border into a bridge

In Tehran on Tuesday, Pezeshkian told Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev that the Republic of Azerbaijan occupies a special position in Iran's neighborhood policy, stressing the need to make full use of the opportunities provided by the two countries' shared geography and common ties.

Pezeshkian said the common border should be regarded as an opportunity for greater interaction rather than an obstacle to closer relations. He described the two countries as relatives and brothers and called for broader cooperation across scientific, cultural, economic, political and security fields.

The Iranian president also stressed the importance of transportation and communications networks in bringing the two countries and their peoples closer together, calling for the expansion and integration of land, air and rail connections.

The emphasis on connectivity is significant given Iran's geographical position as a link between the Persian Gulf, the Caucasus, Central Asia and wider Eurasian markets. Strengthening cross-border infrastructure and transit routes can provide a practical foundation for expanding trade and economic exchanges while reinforcing Iran's role in regional connectivity.

Mustafayev, meanwhile, briefed Pezeshkian on his talks with several Iranian ministers and reaffirmed Baku's determination to develop relations with Tehran. He stressed the need to follow up on existing agreements and understandings, particularly in transportation and communications, and to make greater use of available capacities.

The Azerbaijani delegation's visit comes amid continued high-level engagement between the two countries. On September 29, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev also spoke by phone with Pezeshkian, with the two leaders recalling their recent meeting in Bishkek and noting that an Azerbaijani government delegation was in Iran for talks on bilateral issues.

Uzbekistan: Expanding the northern and central Asian dimension

At the same time, Pezeshkian and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev discussed ways to broaden bilateral relations during a telephone conversation on Tuesday.