Bucharest seeks regional economic cooperation with Baku

/By AzerNews/

By Sara Rajabova

Romanian ambassador to Azerbaijan has met Vasif Talibov, the chairman of the supreme assembly of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and delivered a lecture at the Nakhchivan State University.

Daniel Cristian Ciobanu paid a working visit to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan on April 20-22, the embassy said.

Romania, which has been the second country in the world to recognize Azerbaijan’s independence, is interested to develop economic cooperation at the regional level.

Taking into account that Romania fulfills the mandate of NATO Contact Point Embassy in Azerbaijan (for the fourth time in a row), Ciobanu delivered a lecture on April 20 at the Nakhchivan State University on the perspectives of NATO-Azerbaijan partnership.

A large public participated at the event, including local officials, teachers, students and journalists.

Ciobanu underlined that Azerbaijan actively contributes to Euro-Atlantic security by supporting NATO-led peace operations, noting that cooperation between NATO and Azerbaijan has a strategic value.

Noting that Azerbaijan is a valuable and reliable partner, he said Romania is interested in expanding and strengthening the relations between NATO and Azerbaijan.

Ciobanu went on to say that Azerbaijan is a country of pivotal importance for Europe’s energy security and to peace and stability in the Caucasus.

He said Romanian embassy will continue its efforts for increasing public awareness of NATO and the benefits of NATO-Azerbaijan cooperation.

Azerbaijan and Romania have a long history of relations dating back to the 15th century.

While the two sides enjoy good cooperation in multiple areas, the main focus has been on trade and energy links.

Romania also has been a strong advocate of Azerbaijan's future membership of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), pointing out the strategic importance of the country for trade and shipping, particularly with a view towards Afghanistan.