Azerbaijani PM awarded in Belarus

By Aynur Karimova - AzerNews 

Azerbaijan will make efforts to continue developing fraternal relations with Belarus, Prime Minister Artur Rasizade said at a meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on July 23, according to Belarusian media.

“The Azerbaijani people have always had a warm attitude towards Belarus. We will make every effort to keep the basis, friendly and brotherly relations between our countries and peoples that we have established, to develop it further,” he said.

The Azerbaijani prime minister was awarded the Order of Friendship of Peoples by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

The award was presented to Rasizade for his considerable personal contribution to the development and strengthening of trade, economic, and humanitarian ties between Belarus and Azerbaijan.

"Such awards usually have some political subtext. As for you, there are no political subtexts or advances here. You have done a lot for our relations. Perhaps no other citizen of Azerbaijan has done as much," Lukashenko said.

The Belarusian president voiced belief that Rasizade will appreciate the prestigious award and will always be proud of it.

The Belarus-Azerbaijan mutual trade totaled $330.8 million in 2014, according to the Belarusian government. The trade turnover between the two countries had increased by five times during last four years. Trade grew at a rate of 13.9 percent just in 2014.

Belarus' main exports include wood-working products, foodstuffs, medications, ferrous metals, and glassware. Azerbaijan's exports comprise of oil products, hydrocarbons, juices, agricultural products, and aluminum goods.

Currently the two countries are implementing a long-term social and economic cooperation program through 2015. Belarus has initiated projects in logistics, public catering, and trade, with over $20 million in investment from Azerbaijan. Minsk and Baku operate flights regularly.