President Ilham Aliyev has hosted an official reception in honor of President of the Republic of Latvia Andris Berzins.
In remarks at the reception, President Ilham Aliyev said:
- Dear Mr. President.
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen!
First of all, Mr. President, let me warmly welcome you and the delegation you are heading to Azerbaijan – you are welcome!
This is your first official visit to our country. I have visited Latvia twice. I am pleased to recall that in the last eight years five visits at the level of heads of state have been paid. This in itself is an indication of our attitude to bilateral relations. I am confident that reciprocal visits will give an impetus to the further development and expansion of cooperation between Latvia and Azerbaijan in the bilateral and multilateral formats and within European institutions.
There are ample opportunities for the development of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Latvia in different areas. Although our economic relations are developing fast, they do not fully meet the potential of our countries. Over the past five years our turnover has increased almost three times. Six business forums with the participation of companies and business people from the two countries have been held over the course of several years. In 2006, Azerbaijan and Latvia set up an intergovernmental commission. I believe that we must continue to pursue efforts to raise our cooperation to a higher level.
I am sure that the fruitful talks on bilateral relations we have held during the visit, the agreements reached and the business forum conducted will contribute to the further development of our relations.
The relations between Azerbaijan and Latvia have historical roots. In the early 20th century there was a Latvian society in Baku. It had about a hundred well-known members. This society included celebrated Latvian writers Ernest Birznieks-Upitis, Pavils Rozitis, Janis Vaynovskis, Augusts Bertse, artist and writer Janis Yaunsudrabinsh, diplomat Antons Balodis, conductor of the Baku Opera House and the brilliant Latvian composer Jazeps Medins, architect Ervins Paumbats and others. We regard the revitalization of the society in Baku in March 2013 as a continuation of this tradition.
Azerbaijan actively cooperates with Latvia within the framework of international and regional organizations.
The relations with the European Union and Euro-Atlantic structures hold an important place in Azerbaijan’s foreign policy. A member of the European Union and NATO, Latvia is one of the countries that give importance to Azerbaijan’s cooperation with these organizations. Also fruitful is our cooperation within the framework of the "Eastern Partnership" program. Cooperation in the energy sector is one of the main directions of our relations with the European Union.
Azerbaijan has proved to be a reliable partner in this regard. Azerbaijan, which has become the main economic center of the region, is ready to carry on contributing to the energy security of European countries.
Azerbaijan is in favor of security, stability, development and cooperation in the region. But the most painful problem of the region - the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict - remains unresolved. As a result of Armenia’s military aggression, 20 per cent of Azerbaijani territory, our historical lands of Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent districts, have been occupied. A policy of ethnic cleansing has been carried out on these lands. All human rights of more than a million citizens have been grossly violated and these people have found themselves in the situation of refugees and IDPs.
The international community and international organizations recognize the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and advocate a just settlement of the conflict in accordance with international law. There are four UN Security Council resolutions in relation to the conflict, decisions and resolutions of the OSCE, the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, NATO and other international organizations. Our unequivocal position is that the conflict must be resolved in accordance with international law and the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.
Dear Mr. President, let me express my pleasure in receiving you in Baku. I wish you good health, and your country and people permanent prosperity.
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In remarks at the reception, President of the Republic of Latvia Andris Berzins said:
- Dear Mr. President, Your Excellency!
Ladies and gentlemen!
I am very happy to be a guest in Azerbaijan, which has close and friendly ties with Latvia.
Let me express my gratitude for the warmth and hospitality extended to the Latvian delegation in your beautiful country.
In the first months of next year, we will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Latvia and Azerbaijan. Looking back, we are pleased to see that over the years we have conducted fruitful meetings not only at the presidential level, but also between representatives of different spheres and entrepreneurs.
Such meetings are a clear indication that the Latvian side appreciates the cooperation with Azerbaijan. I want to express my hope that members of the Latvian delegation, the ministers of foreign affairs, transport, health, agriculture, as well as representatives of other ministries, will achieve improvement of the institutional framework in their talks with Azerbaijani colleagues and succeed in implementing specific projects in the future. At the same time, we look forward to broader activities of our business people.
Given the recent crisis, as well as the changes in the global economic landscape, the improvement of the business activities, the investment environment and the diversification of the export market are priority issues for Latvia. This is further confirmed by the fact that on this visit I am accompanied by a large delegation of business people and that we have conducted the Latvian-Azerbaijani business forum. I am confident that private meetings, specific proposals and new ideas will help attract mutual investment and expand the scope of economic cooperation. The geographical location of the two countries, the development of transport and logistics, in particular in the aviation industry, are already evidence of serious collaboration. Taking this opportunity, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that a trade corridor will be established in the near future. In addition, I hope that mutually beneficial projects in the field of information technology, agriculture, food production, etc. will also emerge soon.
Mr. President, Azerbaijan plays an important role in ensuring regional stability. As a member of the European Union and NATO, Latvia appreciates Azerbaijan's cooperation with these organizations.
Our common historical experience, the path of reform Latvia follows and Azerbaijan's geopolitical experience contribute to the development of our relations in a wider format. But the successful bilateral cooperation is underpinned not only by the political dialogue and economic interests, but also by mutual sympathy and interests of our peoples. It is therefore very encouraging that cooperation between higher education institutions is developing and student exchange programs are implemented. All of this contributes to improving the quality of education and intercultural understanding, which, in turn, paves the way for the implementation of cooperation projects in the future.
At the same time, I am pleased to welcome the revived Baku Latvian society. I would wish the society dynamic development. I would like to see this society inspired by the history of uniting more than a hundred active Latvians in the early 20th century. At the same time, Latvia is home to more than 2,000 Azerbaijanis, whose work in the field of economy and culture is highly valued in our country. Azerbaijanis, and indeed all other people who have chosen Latvia as a place of residence, are worthily represented on the Council for National Minorities where we discuss common issues for the state and the people.
In conclusion, I invite all of you to Riga in 2014. The capital of Latvia will acquire the title of capital of European culture. Entertainment and cultural events will be conducted throughout the year. Most importantly, we will take care of our foreign guests. Thank you very much.
