President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva have hosted an official reception in honor of President of the Kyrgyz Republic Almazbek Atambayev and his wife Raisa Atambayeva.

Pointing to the importance of the visit by President of the Kyrgyz Republic Almazbek Atambayev to Azerbaijan, President Ilham Aliyev said this visit would open a new page in the history of relations between the two countries. Expressing hope for a further expansion of relations between the two countries, the President of Azerbaijan said the development of relations between Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan in recent years was causing optimism about the future of these relations.

President Aliyev also noted that cooperation between the two peoples had a long history. “Our countries share common historical roots,” the President of Azerbaijan said and added that the history of independence of the two countries was also similar. The President said Azerbaijan would always support Kyrgyzstan in its development and touched upon the importance of the documents signed during the visit. Pointing to the presence of a political will to eliminate the vacuum that has emerged in recent years, he said:

- We need to be together. Our strength lies in unity, especially since there is a historical background and our mutual political and economic interests. We actively cooperate in international institutions, support each other in the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the ECO and the CIS. In economic terms, there is nothing to be proud of – the turnover is very low. But there are good prospects, including what we discussed today – investment projects, projects related to Azerbaijani investment, including the energy sector, perhaps the banking and tourism sectors. This will help us strengthen our economic relations. Next month we will hold a meeting of the intergovernmental commission. We hope for good results and prompt and efficient solution of all the issues we have agreed on.

“Azerbaijan is a reliable partner and a friendly country for Kyrgyzstan,” President Aliyev said and added that investment projects can further strengthen the existing ties. The head of state pointed to Almazbek Atambayev’s contribution to the development of Kyrgyzstan and expressed hope that this country would achieve considerable success in the future.

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President of the Kyrgyz Republic Almazbek Atambayev expressed his satisfaction with the warm reception he has enjoyed as President of a brotherly and friendly country. Noting that Baku was developing rapidly, the President of Kyrgyzstan said he was glad to get acquainted with the activities of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and praised the multi-faceted activities of the Foundation’s President, Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva. “Today I feel as if I found a brother faithful to his words,” Almazbek Atambaev said describing the successful political activities of President Ilham Aliyev. Stressing the importance of further consolidating efforts, he said:

- I think there is a lot for us to learn from. I can say one thing for sure: we will certainly be together, because it is always easier to be together. I think we will do a lot together in the future. I am very grateful for such a warm welcome and brotherly treatment.

In conclusion, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Almazbek Atambayev wished Azerbaijan further progress and development.