Ilham Aliyev received Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha

President Ilham Aliyev has received Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha.

Recalling with satisfaction his meetings with Prime Minister Sali Berisha at various international events, President Ilham Aliyev pointed to the importance of Mr. Berisha’s first visit to Azerbaijan from the standpoint of expanding bilateral relations. Expressing hope that cooperation between Azerbaijan and Albania will continue to develop successfully, President Aliyev noted the importance of the forthcoming discussions and decisions on the expansion of ties that will take place during the visit for a further rapprochement between the two countries.

Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha said it was an honor for him to visit Azerbaijan. Stressing that Azerbaijan is a friendly country for the Albanians, the Prime Minister said the main goal of his visit is to further develop friendly relations between the two countries. Noting the importance of mutual high level visits for the strengthening of ties, Sali Berisha expressed hope that such visits would be carried out in the future too.

After the meeting, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister of Albania Sali Berisha answered a question from a correspondent of Albanian Public Television.

President Ilham Aliyev: We have very good relations and strong ties. We often meet with Prime Minister at various international events. But this is our first meeting in Azerbaijan. I have repeatedly invited Prime Minister to visit Azerbaijan and I am glad to see him here today.

Today we held extensive discussions on many issues – political cooperation, economic relations, cooperation in the energy sector. Our positions on all these issues overlap. I have no doubt that after this visit we will see an even more intensive development of relations between our countries and achieve excellent results.

Prime Minister Sali Berisha: I would like to express my deep gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for the hospitality. The main objective of my visit is to further strengthen the friendly ties and relations between our countries. For me and the people of Albania, Azerbaijan is a close and friendly country. During our traditionally sincere meeting with President Ilham Aliyev, I witnessed the same atmosphere, warmth and goodwill. I have invited Mr. President to visit Albania and fully agree with him that we will continue to work closely to ensure that the relations between the two countries enter a new phase.

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Then, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha had lunch together.