An official reception in honor of Federal President of the Republic of Austria Heinz Fischer and his wife Margit Fischer has been hosted on behalf of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva.

In remarks at the reception, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said the Austrian President’s first visit to Azerbaijan was of historic nature and reflected the level of relationship between the two countries. The head of state indicated that the visit would enable the sides to identify prospects for the development of bilateral relations.

“We are grateful to Austria for its support for the integration processes between Azerbaijan and the European Union,” the President of Azerbaijan said, adding that energy security and energy policies had been discussed in negotiations earlier.

“We have reached mutual understanding on all the issues discussed,” President Ilham Aliyev said. He also pointed to the importance of the Austria-Azerbaijan business forum, noting that it would contribute to economic cooperation.

“Austrian companies have been successfully operating in Azerbaijan for several years. They are implementing very important infrastructure, construction, culture, reconstruction, rehabilitation and other projects. I am sure that your visit will further expand this list.

Before coming here, Mr. President and I attended a ceremony to unveil a magnificent statue of brilliant composer and outstanding personality Mozart and a park in the center of Baku. This is our tribute to the memory of brilliant Mozart. And as I mentioned at the ceremony, this will be a part of Austria in Azerbaijan.

Mr. President, I am very pleased that whatever we have managed to do over the course of this short visit has a strong foundation. This will contribute to a further development of our relations.

President Ilham Aliyev expressed his confidence that Austrian-Azerbaijani friendship would continue to strengthen.

Federal President of the Republic of Austria Heinz Fischer said:

- Dear Mr. President, dear Mrs. Aliyeva!

Your Excellency, dear Prime Minister, Speaker, distinguished guests!

Indeed, this very interesting and extremely productive visit is coming to an end. It has been a very commendable visit. This is my sincere wish and, Mr. President, thank you very much for that.

President Fischer said the sides had discussed the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, energy issues and cultural relations in their talks. Expressing his gratitude for the establishment of a statue of outstanding composer Mozart in Baku, the Austrian President noted that it was a symbol of the emerging relations between the two countries.

President Fischer thanked the Azerbaijani side for the hospitality again.