Statement by President Ilham Aliyev

- Dear Mr. Prime Minister,

Ladies and gentlemen!

First of all, Mr. Prime Minister, let me warmly welcome you to Azerbaijan once again. Thank you for accepting my invitation to pay a visit to our country. This is the first visit of the Prime Minister of Malaysia to Azerbaijan. This is a historic visit which will leave a mark on the history of our cooperation. We attach great importance to this visit. I am confident that the results of the visit will strengthen our bilateral cooperation.

Our cooperation has a good history. I am sure that there are great prospects for the future, as we have established a very active political dialogue. I am sure that today's visit will also strengthen our political contacts. We have an active political dialogue within the framework of various international organizations.

Today we have signed a Joint Declaration. I am sure that it will be a very important document in terms of the development of our future cooperation because this document covers all aspects of our cooperation – political, economic and energy spheres.

At the same time, Mr. Prime Minister and I have held extensive discussions today. We have established a very positive cooperation within international institutions, in particular the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and other organizations. I express my gratitude to Malaysia for the fact that this country sticks to a very strong position on the issue of Nagorno-Karabakh, always defends the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan. This position complies with international law and reflects our cooperation and brotherhood.

Unfortunately, Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent districts have been under Armenian occupation for many years.

Armenia flagrantly violates international law. The most important international organization of the world, the UN Security Council, has adopted four resolutions calling for Armenia to immediately and unconditionally free our lands. However, Armenia pays no heed to them. Twenty per cent of our country is under occupation. The Armenians have conducted a policy of ethnic cleansing against the Azerbaijanis. I would like to point to the Khojaly genocide. There is a fact of the extermination of hundreds of innocent people. Our mosques and cemeteries have been destroyed. There can be no excuse for this - this is vandalism.

This violence and genocide have been perpetrated by criminal elements that are currently in the Armenian government. We always keep this issue in the spotlight. This conflict must be resolved within the framework of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan in the near future. This would contribute to regional peace and stability. Mr. Prime Minister, thank you once again for the resolute position of your country on this issue.

Today we have also discussed our economic cooperation. Agreement has been reached on mutual investments by companies from both countries. A business forum will be held today, where both countries will present their business opportunities. I do believe that we will identify practical steps for our cooperation to increase in the future.

We have examined joint investment opportunities - we are talking about the projects that will be implemented in third countries. I think there is great potential. Unfortunately, our turnover today is very low. But I am sure that after this visit some progress will be achieved.

Today we have had very detailed and wide-ranging discussions related to the energy sector. Our cooperation in this area has very good prospects. I believe that we can build a strategic partnership in this area – in exports, transportation, processing of energy resources and other issues. Therefore, the Memorandum of Understanding signed between SOCAR and Petroliam Nasional Berhad today creates excellent cooperation opportunities. I am sure that officials from both companies will immediately begin an active dialogue and cooperation because the parties have already identified specific projects. I do hope to see tangible results as soon as possible.

I would also like to note that Malaysia is an important partner and friend for us in the world. We are implementing joint actions and making efforts to strengthen Muslim solidarity. We are actively cooperating within the framework of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Malaysia has made great strides in terms of economic, political and social development. This can serve as an example for many countries. Malaysia has great achievements in terms of creating a strong and stable political system and a strong economic foundation. I do think that the development and solidarity of Muslim countries also contribute to the strengthening of cooperation. I believe that by consolidating our efforts we can do even more. We are very satisfied with our cooperation. In my opinion, today's visit opens a new page in our cooperation.

Mr. Prime Minister, welcome to Azerbaijan once again!