Ilham Aliyev and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi held an expanded meeting

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister of Italy Matteo Renzi had an expanded meeting here.

A guard of honor was arranged for the Azerbaijani President at the Palazzo Chigi residence.

Italian Premier Matteo Renzi welcomed President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

The military orchestra performed state anthems of Azerbaijan and Italy.

The chief of the guard of honor reported to President Ilham Aliyev.

President Ilham Aliyev and Premier Matteo Renzi reviewed the guard of honor.

Italian officials were introduced to President Ilham Aliyev, while members of the Azerbaijani delegation were introduced to Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.

Prime Minister highlighted successfully developing bilateral relations, stressed the importance of reciprocal visits. The Premier described bilateral relations between the two countries as friendly and partner bonds, saying, his country was strong to further deepening Azerbaijani-Italian cooperation.

Italian Premier expressed congratulations to President Ilham Aliyev for high level hosting the first European Games, and said Azerbaijani pavilion in Expo Milano 2015 was beautifully arranged.

Prime Minister Matteo Renzi stressed the importance of further continuing the cooperation in the direction of implementation of TAP project. He said the events carried out under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev at high level show that the tolerance in Azerbaijan was an example for others.

President Ilham Aliyev highlighted friendly relations between the two countries, saying bilateral relations successfully developed in various fields. The Head of State said friendly and cooperative relations between Azerbaijan and Italy are of strategic character.

President Ilham Aliyev said the adoption of decision in Italy on holding the first European Games in Azerbaijan was the symbolic character in nature. The President highly appreciated the representation of Italy with a large delegation in "Baku-2015" First European Games. The Head of State said Expo Milano 2015 exhibition was arranged at the highest level.

The sides expressed satisfaction with the successfully development of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Italy in political, economic, energy, cultural, and other fields. It was noted there was good potential for boosting ties in infrastructure, agricultural, pharmaceutical, transport, health and other fields. It was also emphasized relations in energy field were also successfully developed. The sides expressed assurance the cooperation in non-energy sector would also further boost.

They stressed the importance of bilateral relations between the two countries in terms of Azerbaijani-European Union bonds and exchanged views on regional, international and mutual issues of interest.