Baku, Bratislava mull cooperation in energy field

/By AzerNews/

By Sara Rajabova

Azerbaijani and Slovakian top officials have discussed the development of relation in various fields.

Elmar Mammadyarov, Azerbaijan`s Foreign Minister met Miroslav Lajcak, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovakia on January 26 as part of his official visit to Bratislava.

Noting the intensive and pragmatic development of relations between the two friendly countries, Lajcak referred to the existence of favorable potential for the development of cooperation in the spheres of economy, energy, agriculture and tourism, the Foreign Ministry reported.

Mammadyarov, in turn, expressed his satisfaction with the development of relations between two countries, highlighting the need to broaden the bilateral legal-treaty basis, particularly signing of agreements on avoidance of double taxation and protection of investments for further development of cooperation.

Referring to favorable location of Slovakia in energy transit, Mammadyarov noted the existence of an appropriate ground for cooperation in this field.

Lajcak also invited Mammadyarov to participate in the joint foreign ministerial meeting of the Easter Partnership and the Visegrad Group to be held in Bratislava this May.

Furthermore, speaking about the long-lasting Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Mammadyarov briefed about the negotiation process over the settlement of the problem.

He stressed that for the resolution of the conflict, first and foremost, the Armenian armed forces has to be withdrawn from the occupied territories of Azerbaijan and the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan has to be guaranteed.

Armenia occupied over 20 percent of Azerbaijan's internationally recognized territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent regions, after laying territorial claims against its South Caucasus neighbor that had caused a lengthy war in the early 1990s.

Lajcak, in turn, said his country cares for stability and peaceful resolution of territorial disputes in the region, stressing that Slovakia respects the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan in its internationally recognized borders and supports finding the solution of the conflict in the Minsk group format.

Peace talks over the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict are underway on the basis of a peace outline proposed by the Minsk Group co-chairs and dubbed the Madrid Principles. However, as Armenia continues to follow non-constructive position, the negotiations have been largely fruitless so far despite the efforts of the co-chair countries over 20 years.

During the meeting, the sides also underlined the successful cooperation within the international organizations and agreed to establish diplomatic representations on a mutual basis.

On the same day, Mammadyarov met with Jan Figel, Deputy Speaker of the Slovakian Parliament in the framework of his official visit to Bratislava.

Noting the high-level political ties between the two-countries, Figel highlighted the need to develop the economic and trade relations.

Mammadyarov pointed out the importance of increasing contacts between the two parliaments, noting that Azerbaijan attaches great importance to inter-parliamentary cooperation in its relations with other countries.

He further briefed about the political and economic development achieved in recent years in Azerbaijan, as well as its energy policy and the rich multicultural traditions.

The sides further exchanged views on international and regional issues.

Mammadyarov also met Robert Fico, Slovakia’s Prime Minister during his visit to his country.

Expressing satisfaction with the development of relation at a high level, Fico said mutual high-level visits contribute to further development of ties.

Noting Slovakia’s welcome of Baku’s hosting of the first European Games to be held on June 12-28, Fico said his country attaches great importance to participation of its sportsmen in this sporting event and will be represented in games with more than 100 athletes.

He further noted Azerbaijan’s important role of Europe's energy supply.

Pointing to favorable opportunities to enhance bilateral cooperation in economic and trade, energy, tourism and humanitarian spheres, Mammadyarov stressed the importance of establishing direct contacts between the business community and holding of business forums.

The sides further discussed the issues mutual interest.

The Slovak Republic recognized the independence of Azerbaijan on January 24, 1992. Azerbaijan and Slovakia established diplomatic relations on November 23, 1993.

The ambassador of Azerbaijan to Austria is also accredited to Slovakia. Also, the ambassador of Slovakia to Russia is also accredited to Azerbaijan.