Baku, September 29, AZERTAC

The 4th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Serbia took place here.

At the meeting, the Azerbaijani side was presented by the Minister of Economy and Industry Shahin Mustafayev and representatives of the relevant government institutions. The Serbian side was presented by delegation headed by the Deputy Prime Minister, the Minister of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications of Serbia Rasim Lyaich.

Minister Shahin Mustafayev who made a speech at the meeting noted the quick development of the relations between the two countries. He told that mutual visits and meetings of the heads of states make significant contribution to expansion of these ties in various directions, emphasizing that Azerbaijan and Serbia have signed the Declaration on strategic partnership. Having noted the support by the two countries of territorial integrity and inviolability of borders of each other, Shahin Mustafayev stated that the Protocol following the results of a current meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission reflects inadmissibility of any economic activity in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan and the ban on export, import and sale of production and the services made in these territories in Serbia.

Saying that in 2015 commercial relations between the two countries became more active, the Minister noted the existence of high potential in this sphere, expressed confidence that the present working meeting with participation of the Serbian and Azerbaijani companies would make relevant contribution to increase in trade turnover and expansion of investment cooperation.

The Minister noted the transport and infrastructure project which is successfully realized in Serbia at the expense of the credit of the Azerbaijani Government, emphasized interest of the Azerbaijani companies in privatization of some Serbian enterprises.

In his speech, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Minister of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications of Serbia, the co-chairman of the Intergovernmental Commission Rasim Lyaich noted that his country attaches great importance to the relations with Azerbaijan. Having emphasized that Serbia maintains territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, he expressed gratitude to Azerbaijani state for its position in the question of Kosovo. Having noted successful activity of the Azerbaijani company in the infrastructure of Serbia, Rasim Lyaich invited other companies of Azerbaijan to actively participate in the projects realized in Serbia. The Serbian Minister emphasized possibilities of cooperation also in power, agricultural, infrastructure, tourist spheres, and ICT sector.

At the meeting, members of the Commission had comprehensive exchange of views on the discussed questions and expansion of cooperation in various spheres of economy.

Following the results of the 4th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission, the Azerbaijan Republic and the Republic Serbia have signed a Protocol. The document was signed by co-chairmen of the Commission – the Minister of Economy and Industry of the Azerbaijan Republic Shahin Mustafayev and the Deputy Prime Minister, the Minister of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications of Serbia Rasim Lyaich. The document provides continuation of cooperation in the field of trade, investments, finance, industry, transport, power, agriculture, ICT, health care, youth, sport, etc.