President of the Republic of Slovenia, Danilo Türk, hosted an official dinner in honor of Ilham Aliyev.

Presidents addressed the reception.

Slovenian President Danilo Turk said he was pleased to see Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in his country and stressed that this visit was evidence of the determination to expand bilateral cooperation at all levels. He said:

- Historically, our friendship and mutual understanding have been based on similar actions taken by the two countries.

Twenty years ago, independently of each other, the Slovenians and Azerbaijanis made the decision on independence.

Thanks to the resolute and hard work we entered a new stage. Today we have the opportunity to look into our past, and we are proud to say that we have achieved a lot over 20 years. The relations between Slovenians and Azerbaijanis shaped throughout history. Slovenians appreciate the courage of Azerbaijani soldiers in the national liberation struggle on our territory during the Second World War. Among them there was a man known for his bravery and heroism, strength, humility and hard work – your national hero Mehdi Huseynzadeh, or Mikhaylo. In order not to allow this story of heroism to be forgotten, Mehdi Huseynzadeh’s associate Ciril Zupanic described those events in a book, thus perpetuating them. The aim of the recently established Slovenian-Azerbaijani Friendship Society is to disseminate information about Mikhaylo.

The Slovenian President touched upon the importance of cultural relations between the two countries, stressing that the agreement on cooperation in cultural, educational and scientific fields signed during the visit was opening up new opportunities for the development of cooperation. The head of the Slovenian state also noted that companies of the two countries had established contacts in the fields of energy, information, environmental technologies, engineering and pharmaceuticals. The plan on cooperation with Slovenian companies in the construction of small hydro power stations in Azerbaijan has entered into force.

Touching upon the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, Danilo Turk said:

- I am applauding your progress and efforts towards dialogue to resolve this issue. I am pleased to see any signs of progress in the negotiations and any step taken to improve the situation. I welcome the statement by the presidents of Russia, France and the USA, co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, made at the G8 summit in Deauville on 26 May. The statement calls for an agreement based on the principles of a negotiated settlement. I do hope that agreement is reached during the forthcoming tripartite meeting in Kazan in June. We can say that our positions overlap – it is necessary to step up efforts towards a settlement so that the status-quo is not permanent. A settlement of this issue can facilitate the settlement of other conflicts.

As a member of the European Union, Slovenia is working hard to enhance cooperation between the EU and Azerbaijan. The European Union considers Azerbaijan an important partner and wants to establish more active relations with it. Therefore, to bring Azerbaijan closer to the EU, the European Union is developing a new policy and programs. From this standpoint, I would like to point to the Eastern Partnership project. Slovenia is actively involved in this program.

President Danilo Turk also said that the future Association Agreement between the European Union and Azerbaijan is an important tool for improving political and economic relations. Energy security, energy resources and diversification of routes are also an important area of mutual interest.

Speech by Ilham Aliyev during the official visit to the Republic of Slovenia

- Dear Mister President:

Ladies and gentlemen:

First of all, I express my gratitude to you, Mister President, for the hospitality extended to me and the delegation. I am very pleased to visit your nice country for the second time.

I think it important to realize mutual visits to expand and elevate our bilateral ties into a qualitatively newer level. In this respect, I would like to note, in particular, your successful visit to Azerbaijan in 2009.

Today, in a new stage of our ties, there are wider horizons for the development of co-operation in industrial, energy, transport, information technologies, tourism, trade, investments and other fields. However, it should be recognized that indicators of our economic relations do not meet the potential of our countries. Trade turnover and volume of investments between two countries are not at a desirable level.

I do believe that the meetings we held during my visit, as well as the exchange of views and the discussions we had will give an impetus to bringing the relations between our countries into a new level.

Azerbaijani and Slovenian peoples supported each other in the days of hardships. The memory of Mehdi Huseynzade known as Mikhaylo who died heroically in fight against fascism during the years of Second World War, lives always in hearts of both peoples. The Slovenian people do not forget its heroes till nowadays. The membership of the representatives of various public organizations of Nova Gorica city and particularly, of almost 80 Slovenians who once fought together with Mehdi Huseynzade to the newly created Slovenian-Azerbaijani Friendship Society demonstrates the mutual respect and attention between our peoples.

It is very pleasant to see the co-operation between Azerbaijan and Slovenia within international and regional organizations, particularly UN, OSCE, the European Union and the Council of Europe.

Ties with EU and Euro-Atlantic structures take an important place in foreign policy of Azerbaijan. The Memorandum of Understanding on a Strategic Partnership in the field of energy signed in 2006 between Azerbaijan and the European Union as well as the Declaration on Southern Gas Corridor signed this January are clear examples of these ties.

Azerbaijan which has already become the main economic center of the region is ready to contribute further to ensure energy security of European countries. We are interested in delivering our energy resources to the world markets in all directions and stand ready to review initiatives forwarded for transportation of oil and gas produced by us to Europe. Large scale oil and gas projects implemented by Azerbaijan prove that we are a reliable partner and enable us to co-operate further with all interested parties.

Besides all issues mentioned above, the biggest threat to the development of region is the non resolution of the Armenian-Azerbaijani, Nagorno Karabakh conflict. As you know, almost 20 years that the Nagorno Karabakh region of Azerbaijan and 7 other regions of our country are under the occupation of Armenia. This constitutes roughly 20 percent of total territory of Azerbaijan. As a result of ethnic cleansing policy pursued by Armenia, over one million of Azerbaijanis became refugees and IDPs.

There are 4 resolutions of UN Security Council related to the conflict as well as decisions and resolutions of OIC, OSCE, the Council of Europe, NATO and other international organizations. This conflict should be solved only on the basis of international law within the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.

Dear Mister President, allow me to raise this glass to you and to the development of the relations of sincere friendship and useful co-operation between Azerbaijan and Slovenia.