Developing Azerbaijan-Latvia relations have promosing future: Azerbaijani president (UPDATE) (PHOTO)

August 12

11:48

Azerbaijan-Latvia business forum took place in Baku on August 11.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Latvian President Valdis Zatlers attended the forum. The two leaders also watched an exhibition of products of Latvian economy.

Representatives of about 120 companies from Azerbaijan and 75 Latvian businessmen participated in the business forum.

Ilham Aliyev welcomed the forum participants.

“Although the amount of trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Latvia is not too high, progress has been achieved in this regard,” Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev in his remarks.

The president said there are good prospects for economic co-operation between the two countries and significant success have been made with this respect.

"Existence of good political relations gives an opportunity to business people of the two countries to effectively co-operate in many spheres," Aliyev said.

Aliyev said Azerbaijan-Latvia relations successfully develop and Latvian President Valdis Zatlers's visit to Azerbaijan opens a new stage in relations between the two countries.

By signing of a number of bilateral agreements on August 10 Azerbaijan and Latvia strengthened legal foundation of the relations, he said.

The President expressed confidence that the meeting of business people of the two countries will make a contribution to the development of relations.

"I believe that the role of the inter-governmental joint economic commission is significant, since it will help business people establish relations, coordinate various projects and invest in more attractive sectors. After yesterday's discussions, we came to a conclusion that our economies are not in competition with each other. We do not compete for market. Our economies can successfully support each other," Aliyev said.

Latvian President Valdis Zatlers also addressed the business forum.

“There is a strong base for the further development of our business partnership. An efficient infrastructure for  cooperation has been built. There are 29 Latvia-Azerbaijan joint ventures in Latvia at present. I hope that in the next few years this figure will increase significantly. At the same time, I am pleased to note that if you pay attention to last year's sales, it is possible to make sure it would be wrong to use of the word “crisis”. Although figures are not so great, however, Latvia's exports has doubled, while imports from Azerbaijan rose 30 percent,” Zatlers said.

“In the first quarter of 2009, trade turnover between our countries kept on increasing. This differs from the known global processes. I am accompanied by a representative delegation, which demonstrates the interest of Latvian businessmen in Azerbaijan. The delegation includes representatives from the food industry, transport and logistics, information technology and communications, banking and consulting services, construction, tourism, education and other fields. Riga Dairu, Laci, AirBaltic, Parex Bank, Baltikums Bank, BDO İnvest Riga, Riga International Airport, air traffic control and training center and many others are successfully represented in Azerbaijan,” the Latvian president said.

“I want to note that our countries are trying to take adequate retaliatory measures relating to the difficulties associated with energy security. I am convinced that only close cooperation between the EU and the Caspian Sea region could provide a stable and sustainable energy security for the citizens,” Zatlers added.

On August 11, Latvian President Valdis Zatlers and his wife Lilita Zatlers also tripped to Zagatala, Shaki and Gabala regions of Azerbaijan.

August 11

11:22

Following ceremony of awarding state orders, Azerbaijani and Latvian Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Valdis Zatlers made media statements.

President Aliyev once again welcomed Latvian president to Azerbaijan and said they have had fruitful discussions on relations between the two countries.

“We attach great importance to Latvia president’s visit to our country. I think that after this visit, our bilateral relations will definitely enhance even further. At present, our relations are developing in many areas. We have good political cooperation. There is a productive dialogue. We are deepening economic cooperation. I am confident that tomorrow the next Business Forum will enable the businessmen of both countries to know each other better and to implement joint projects,” the president said.

“Our relations cover many other areas. Today, we have reviewed cooperation in the field of information technology, tourism, culture, transport, energy and talked about the prospects. I am sure that the documents signed today will further expanded the legislative basis for our cooperation. I am sure that we will see results of today's agreements in the coming years.”

“We have laid pipelines which deliver our energy resources in different directions we got an access to the markets of the European Union. The volume of supplies will be stepped up in future. This will allow both parties to benefit from the fruitful cooperation. Naturally, the cooperation in all these areas must be balanced, and here the interests of transit countries, consumers and producers should be provided equally. I think that in future will open new areas of cooperation between the European Union and Azerbaijan. Eastern Partnership provides the basis for this. Of course, bilateral relations between Latvia and Azerbaijan, including relations within the framework of cooperation with European institutions, will be successfully pursued,” Aliyev said.

“Today's visit by the Latvian president is an important step in that direction and I am confident that he will make many important results for our further cooperation,” Aliyev said.

In his turn, Latvian President Zatlers thanked President Aliyev for invitation to visit Azerbaijan.

“During the discussions, we noted a high level of relations between Latvia and Azerbaijan. That is true. Currently, our positions on political issues of global and regional levels coincide. Over the past 4 - 5 years, our economic relationship even more expanded and trade turnover grew 2 and even 3 times,” Zatlers said.

“However, I believe there is opportunity for more ambitious work particularly in times of crisis. We must be good partners, participate in the lucrative contracts,and thus create a solid foundation of cooperation between our countries,” the Latvian president said.

“Of course, we are working with your country also as a NATO and European Union member. We will provide all possible support to the East Partnership Program targeted at greater integration between the EU and Azerbaijan. We wish that your country will be integrated into the extent that we want and according to your interests. Regarding the partnership with NATO, we are working within the ISAF mission in Afghanistan. Latvia is grateful for the contribution of Azerbaijan in this mission and appreciates it. This issue is related to stability in Central Asia,” he said.

“I want to emphasize Azerbaijan’s role in stabilization of the situation in the South Caucasus. A year ago, when the situation was escalated, much was achieved thanks to your wise policy. In this case, we feel more secure in the Caucasus. We have more clear plan to improve the situation in the future,” he added.

“Speaking about importance of Nabucco project, Zatlers noted that such projects serve diversification of transport routes. This, in turn, means the creation of real markets in the energy sector is a stabilizing factor,” the Latvian president said.

09:23

President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers visited the Alley of Martyrs.

The President inspected a ceremonial guard of honor and heard anthems of Latvia and Azerbaijan.

He laid a wreath at the Eternal Fire monument.

The Latvian leader also saw the sights of Baku from here.

09:22

President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers and his spouse Lilita Zatlers visited the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

They were welcomed by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva.

President Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva briefed them on the aims of the Foundation which was established in memory of Azerbaijan`s national leader Heydar Aliyev.

The Latvian leader and his spouse were told the Foundation carries out large-scale projects in all spheres.

They familiarized themselves with the documents concerning national leader Heydar Aliyev`s activity, keepsakes presented by famous politicians, books dedicated to the national leader, and opinions of scientists and people of art about founder of Azerbaijani state.

They signed the guest book.

President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva gave a keepsake to the Latvian President.

The Presidents and their spouses watched a film about the Foundation`s activity.

Visiting Latvian President Valdis Zatlers met with Speaker of the Milli Majlis (parliament) Ogtay Asadov at the parliament building.

Milli Majlis chairman told of the Azerbaijan-Latvia friendly relations, saying Latvian President`s present visit will mark a new chapter in the history of bilateral relations.

Asadov stressed the documents signed during the visit set up a legal framework for future cooperation. He highlighted the role of the heads of states in developing bilateral relations.

Speaker stressed the role of parliaments in developing Latvia-Azerbaijan cooperation, adding friendship groups were set up in both countries` parliaments.

Asadov updated Latvian President on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which impedes economic development of Azerbaijan. According to him, official Baku hopes the conflict will be solved peacefully on the basis of international legal principles.

Latvia President Valdis Zatlers noted Azerbaijan-Latvia relations have developed much over the past five years.

Latvian Leader stressed he would do everything possible to develop bilateral relations between the two friendly nations.

President Zatlers stressed the need to expand the activity of friendship groups in the parliaments of both countries.

Latvian President Valdis Zatlers` spouse Lilita Zatlers visited the Thalassemia Center Monday.

Director of the center Azar Karimov told Mrs. Zatlers the facility was constructed as part of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation-initiated “For Life without Thalassemia” Program.

He noted the center serves about 50 patients a day.

Karimov pointed out there are approximately 1000 people living with thalassemia, of whom 700 are under control.

The Center which has three regional branches is up to the international standards.
Mrs. Zatlers praised the work of the Center.

Lilita Zatlere, spouse of the President of Latvia and Mehriban Aliyeva, First lady of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, visited the Museum of Modern Art.

Ms. Lilita Zatlere got familiar with the exposition at the museum founded at the initiative of UNESCO and ISESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mehriban Aliyeva. The Museum houses over 1000 works of art by both young and renowned Azerbaijani artists and sculptors.

The Western Europe Arts hall of the Museum features pieces of art presented to the national leader Heydar Aliyev, President Ilham Aliyev and President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva.

The Museum of Modern Art designed by well-known Azerbaijani artist Altay Sadikhzadeh also houses a Children’s Art Gallery, library, video salon, restaurant and art café. Also on the display at the museum are over 200 sculptures and 800 paintings.

09:21

Azerbaijan is grateful to Latvia for the support in cooperation with NATO and EU, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said on August 10, AzTV state television reported.

Azerbaijan also participates in the Eastern Partnership Program of the European Union, and cooperation of countries within these organizations will help develop relations  in different spheres," the President of Azerbaijan said in a joint press conference after talks with Latvian counterpart Valdis Zatlers within his first official visit to Azerbaijan.

Relations between Azerbaijan and Latvia in many spheres are at high level, said the President. "A fruitful political dialogue exists between the countries. I believe that the bilateral documents signed today will strengthen the legal foundation for bilateral relations. The relations are developing very successfully and they have a good future," said President Aliyev.

09:20

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and first lady Mehriban Aliyeva hosted an official reception in honor of Latvian President Valdis Zatlers and his spouse Lilita Zatlers at the Gulustan palace.

The Presidents made speeches at the event.


August 10

18:11

Nagorno-Karabakh conflict should be resolved peacefully based on international law and principles, Latvian President Valdis Zatlers said in Baku, AzTV state television reported.

Zatlers said it is impossible to hurry in this issue. "The OSCE Minsk Group deals with the solution of the conflict and takes certain steps to resolve it. We must be careful and cautious. We would not like to see talks ending without results," Latvian president said at a joint press conference after talks with his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev during his first official visit to Azerbaijan.

17:31

Upon completion of the meeting in the presence of delegations, a ceremony of signing documents between Azerbaijan and Latvia took place with the attendance of Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Valdis Zatlers.

16: 38

On decree of the Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev, Latvian President Valdis Zatlers was awarded Heydar Aliyev Order, the highest state order of Azerbaijan, for special merits in development of friendly and cooperation ties between the Republic of Latvia and the Republic of Azerbaijan.

14:37

Following the one-on-one meeting, Presidents Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Valdis Zatlers of Latvia met in the presence of the two countries` delegations.

The heads of states made speeches during the meeting.

13:35

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Latvian President Valdis Zatlers held one-to-one meeting in Baku on Aug. 10.

The Latvian president paid an official visit to Azerbaijan on Aug. 9.

/AzerTaj, Trend News/

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Photo by AzerTaj, President.az