In Azerbaijan, discussions concerning the country’s relationship with Iran as well as the significance of respect for one another took place during diplomatic meetings. Azeris were generally disappointed by the incident but also acknowledged possibilities for addressing cultural differences in a sensitive manner. Some analysts interpreted this incident to mean how difficult it can be to manage diplomatic relations amidst the diverse cultural or religious backgrounds common in such a region. Iran-Azerbaijan relations remained committed at the government level to preserving their broader framework of bilateral cooperation. The officialdom from both countries tried to play down its importance, stressing deep-rooted ties and shared interests that developed over time underpinning these relations instead.
