President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received credentials of the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland James Lyall Sharp.

Ambassador James Lyall Sharp reviewed a guard of honor.

James Lyall Sharp presented his credentials to President Ilham Aliyev.

President Ilham Aliyev then spoke with the ambassador.

President Ilham Aliyev hailed the rich history and the long-term successful development of the Azerbaijan-UK partnership. He pointed out his visit to the UK last April and the role of fruitful discussions held during the trip in the development of bilateral cooperation.

Emphasizing that bilateral relations between the two countries cover various fields, President Ilham Aliyev praised the successful energy cooperation with BP whose history spans 25 years. He expressed his confidence that this cooperation will continue developing in a long-term prospect.

President Ilham Aliyev wished Ambassador James Lyall Sharp success in his diplomatic tenure.

Ambassador James Lyall Sharp described the relations as part of the Contract of the Century, which will mark 25th anniversary in recent days, as a successful example of broad energy cooperation between the two countries. The ambassador underlined the favourable opportunities for diversification and development of cooperation between the two countries in non-oil sector, as well as in renewable energy, agriculture, healthcare, science and education, and others.

James Lyall Sharp said he would spare no efforts to further develop the ties of friendship and partnership between the two countries during his diplomatic tenure.

President Ilham Aliyev hailed the importance of expanding cooperation in the non-oil sector, pointing to ample opportunities for the UK small and medium business communities’ activities in Azerbaijan.

The sides exchanged views on the issues of mutual interest on regional agenda.