"We in Azerbaijan consider Jordan a sisterly state …and we have a common heritage of history, religion and culture beside the common interests," said Azeri Ambassador to Jordan Elman Arasli.

Speaking at a news conference in observance of his country's day which falls on tomorrow Monday, Arasli said the visit by His Majesty King Abdullah to Azerbaijan last summer has contributed to give new momentum to bilateral relations particularly after signing the preliminary agreement on bilateral cooperation following the visit.

He said as his country is passing through a shift from the socialist system to the free market policy, a lot of drastic economic reforms have been implemented to attract investment particularly in the vital sector of gas and oil. He noted that his country's oil product last year amounted to 30 million tons.

Azeri President Ilham Aliyev will pay an official visit to Jordan within the coming few months upon an invitation by His Majesty King Abdullah II AND Jordan will open its embassy in Baku soon, a step, which will further cement bilateral relations.

Trade volume between the two countries is still below the desired level, he said. However, the Azeri diplomat said the economic cooperation agreement concluded recently between the two countries aims to promote economic and joint investment. In addition the two countries also signed a memo of understanding on air transport cooperation.

On the Palestinian problem, Arasli said his country calls for resolving this issue through peaceful means that guarantees the Palestinian people's right to establish their independent state. Petra