AZERBAIJAN PRESIDENT NOTED MEETINGS BUSINESSMEN OF TWO COUNTRIES
Baku, 5 Dhulhijjah 1436/19 September 2015 (MINA) – Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev noted that the meetings held between the businessmen of the two countries are contributing to strengthening the ties.
He said this while addressing the Azerbaijan-Czech business forum in Baku on Wednesday, which was also attended by Czech President Milos Zeman.
Aliyev said, bilateral relations are of strategic nature, stressing the importance of the joint declaration on strategic partnership, signed between the two countries during Zeman’s visit.
Aliyev highlighted the participation of Czech banks in Azerbaijani projects and Azerbaijan’s successful fulfillment of its obligations as a financial partner, according to International Islamic News Agency (IINA) reports received by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA).
The two sides discussed the need for determining new areas of cooperation for the upcoming years.
He also spoke about the possibilities of cooperation in transportation stressing the significance of the projects like the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway and the Baku International Sea Trade Port.
Stressing that Azerbaijan is a reliable supplier of oil to the Czech Republic, President Aliyev spoke about Azerbaijan’s role in the implementation of the southern gas corridor project, noting that the country has become a major player in the European gas market.
He said this project will create opportunities for Azerbaijan to diversify its supply routes. Speaking about the investment sphere in Azerbaijan, Aliyev said $27 billion was invested in Azerbaijan in 2014, adding that foreign investments are significant here.
“This shows that despite the continued economic crisis in the world, a positive investment sphere is observed in Azerbaijan, “the president said.
Meanwhile, President Zeman stressed certain similarities between the two countries, which is evident in the field of economy.
He also expressed confidence that the two sides will take advantage of the created opportunities.
From January to July 2015, the trade turnover between the two countries amounted to $440.93 million, according to the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan.
The Czech Republic mainly imports Azerbaijani oil, but predominantly exports industrial equipment and consumer goods to Azerbaijan.
The Czech Republic recognized the independence of Azerbaijan on January 8, 1992. Two countries established diplomatic relations on January 29, 1993. (T/Imt/R04)
Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)
