A solemn ceremony dedicated to the commencement of the Iranian gas delivery to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic (NAR) was held in the area of Nakhchivan city gas-exploitation unit on Tuesday, the Trend reports. Azerbaijani and Iranian Presidents – Ilham Aliyev and Mahmud Ahmadinejdet honored the ceremony. Aliyev termed the implementation of the project as a historical event, which plays a crucial role in expansion of mutual relations. He appreciated Iran's assistance to his country, in particular to the residents of Nakhichevan. According to the 25-year contract, Azerbaijan Republic will deliver 80.5 million cubic meters of natural gas to Iran at Astara border point by the end of a year from the date the pipeline was commissioned (November 1, 2005). Besides, the Iranian partner will reduce 15 percent of the gas delivered at Astara as the swap fee and deliver the remaining 85 percent of the amount to the autonomous Republic of Nakhichevan at Jolfa border point.