TODAY.AZ / Politics

President Aliyev: Conflicts faced by Azerbaijan, Serbia must be resolved in line with countries’ territorial integrity

21 May 2018 [17:51] - TODAY.AZ

By  Trend


The conflicts faced by Azerbaijan and Serbia must be resolved in line with the norms and principles of international law and territorial integrity of the two countries, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said May 21 in Baku while making press statements together with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.

“Mr. President, first of all, I once again cordially welcome you to Azerbaijan,” Ilham Aliyev told Vucic. “We attach great importance to your visit. I am sure the results of the visit will open up new opportunities for the development of the Serbia-Azerbaijan friendship and strategic partnership ties.”

“We are strategic partners and among the documents signed today was the Joint Action Plan for the Strategic Partnership," the president said. "This is a very voluminous and important document. The document reflects all important issues related to our further cooperation. We constantly support each other at international organizations. We support each other in all important issues.”

“We always support each other at all international organizations in the issues related to the territorial integrity, sovereignty, inviolability of the borders of our countries,” he said. “The conflicts that we have faced must be resolved in accordance with the norms and principles of international law, within the territorial integrity of our countries. The conflicts must be resolved within the corresponding resolutions of the UN Security Council. In this issue, we always render and will render mutual support to each other."

President Aliyev stressed that among the issues discussed today, economic cooperation has a special place.

"We highly appreciate the steps taken in this direction. However, we are absolutely sure that the existing trade turnover does not reflect our economic potential. There is a growth, but absolute indicators are still very low. That is why, I am sure the issues that have been discussed and are to be discussed during the visit will lead to an increase in the turnover in the future. There are good opportunities for that," the president noted.

President Aliyev further assessed prospects for cooperation in the energy sector as encouraging.

"This issue is reflected in the signed Action Plan,” he said. “Azerbaijan is an initiator and an active participant of giant energy projects. The Southern Gas Corridor Project has a special place among them.”

“In the next days, we will celebrate the completion of the Shah Deniz Stage 2 project,” the president said. “TANAP gas pipeline is to be commissioned the next month. Thus, the main projects of the Southern Gas Corridor will be completed."

“This is Azerbaijan's another contribution to energy security,” President Aliyev said. “This big energy project has had a positive impact on the settlement of issues of broad international cooperation. Presently, cooperation in the energy sector in our region is rising to a new level."

The president reminded that the ceremony of launching the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway was held in Baku in October 2017.

"The railway is also of great importance,” he said. “Asia and Europe will be connected through Azerbaijan and other countries thanks to the beginning of the operation of the railway. This is the shortest way from Asia to Europe and back. Cargoes are already being sent via this railway and the volume of cargo will grow.”

“Of course, we also see Serbia as an active participant of this railway,” he added. “I think that our relevant structures can already begin negotiations on this issue for us to be able to increase the freight traffic. Thus, energy and transport projects being implemented upon the initiative of our country open up new possibilities for broad cooperation. This will give a momentum to the development of tourism, increase bilateral trade turnover and thus enhance stability, ensure security in our region, in the Eurasian area."

President Aliyev added that the humanitarian sphere has a very important place in the relations between Serbia and Azerbaijan.

"Mr. President, I know that you will participate in the opening ceremony of the Center for Serbian Language and Culture at the Azerbaijan University of Languages,” he said. “I am sure that you know and you will see that Azerbaijan has a great interest, great respect for your people, culture, literature of your people. The ties in the humanitarian sphere have an important place in the development of relations between the peoples.”

“I think the mutual development of the tourism sector will bring income to our countries, people will get to know each other better, they will become friends, just like our countries," the president said. "Our countries are friendly countries. As I have noted they are strategic partners. I am sure that after the visit our relations will get a new impetus, new dynamics for Serbia and Azerbaijan to act as the countries constantly supporting each other, helping each other.”

“We appreciate the policy being carried out by you in your country,” he said. “You protect the independent policy of Serbia, rule your country confidently. People support you greatly. Your policy is appreciated by the Serbian people. We, as your friends, rejoice at this. We are sure that the Serbia-Azerbaijan relations will continue to have an important place in your agenda.”

“Relations with Serbia are very important for us,” the president said. “I am sure there are all opportunities, conditions for the successful development of these ties in the future. The main thing is that there is a very strong joint will. I think that in the next years we will live upon these desires, develop the Serbia-Azerbaijan ties. Thank you.”





















URL: http://www.today.az/news/politics/170234.html

Print version

Views: 1497

Connect with us. Get latest news and updates.

Recommend news to friend

  • Your name:
  • Your e-mail:
  • Friend's name:
  • Friend's e-mail: