Baku, November 28, AZERTAC

Following their one-on-one meeting, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko have held a meeting in an expanded format with the participation of delegations.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said:

- Dear Alexander Grigoryevich,

Distinguished guests!

Let me sincerely welcome you to Azerbaijan again!

We have already exchanged views on many important issues on the bilateral agenda, regional problems and issues related to regional security cooperation. We will now continue our discussions in an expanded format. I would like to welcome you to Azerbaijan once again. We are very pleased with your visit because you are visiting us with a large delegation. I am sure that members of the delegation will also have the opportunity to work in their respective areas because seated at this table today are the leaders of many ministries, companies and departments which are already working together and expand to further increase the potential for cooperation.

Our countries have very close and trusting relations. We always support each other, openly discuss issues of interest and concern, and we have tested each other many times, so to speak. We are reliable partners both for each other and for all other countries. I think this also brings Belarus and Azerbaijan closer together because our countries enjoy a well-deserved reputation for integrity and principled policy in the international arena.

Of course, a large block of relations is connected with economic issues. We are pleased with how our relations are developing, especially joint productions that have been established in Azerbaijan, but, of course, we are very pleased with the level of mutual trade. We have already exchanged views on how to expand the scope of cooperation and increase the turnover. There is very good potential for that. We can increase mutual exports in a very short time by organizing work properly. We also cooperate in matters related to the military and technical complex. Here too, there are very good achievements, results and future plans.

In international organizations we always support each other, and I am sure that we will continue to do that. We see Belarus as a very reliable partner and friend, and always rejoice in your successes. We are always happy to see you.

When getting ready for this meeting, I looked at the history a little and saw that this is was your fourth official visit to our country. I have also paid four official visits to Belarus. This does not include working visits, of course. This is an indicator in itself. It speaks for itself, and every meeting provides a new impetus to our relations. I am sure that this visit will be as productive, and the documents we will sign, the agreements we will reach will be implemented. Once again, welcome!

                                                                     Х Х Х

President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said:

- Ilham Heydarovich, thank you very much for the invitation and for what you have just said. I have already congratulated you on the courageous political decisions. The support you have received from the Azerbaijani people is enviable. I want to say to you: well done! In this difficult time, you demonstrate such a unity in the country. This is good for us too, because when your friends are united, when they can come together at any time, in the most difficult of times, it is good to have such a friend. So I want to congratulate you again on what you are doing in Azerbaijan.