Rome, July 14 (AZERTAC). President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has visited the Mercati di Traiano museum in Rome, where he met with the city`s Mayor Ignazio Marino and answered questions from Italian journalists.

President Ilham Aliyev was welcomed by Mayor of Rome Ignazio Marino.

The head of state was informed about Mercati di Traiano. It was noted that the museum, whose collection includes rare exhibits, was of immense importance in terms of studying the history of ancient Rome. Many unique artefacts were discovered during excavations carried out in the area of the museum at different times. The excavations opened up wide opportunities for studying different periods of ancient history.

During the meeting, Mayor of Rome Ignazio Marino said the relations between Azerbaijan and Italy were expanding in political, economic and energy areas and expressed his satisfaction with the development of Azerbaijan. He said they were interested in developing cultural relations with Azerbaijan, adding that this provided good opportunities for our countries and peoples to better know each other. Touching upon the extensive cooperation with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Mayor of Rome said he was well aware of the Foundation`s numerous cultural and humanitarian projects of universal importance. Ignazio Marino recalled his meeting with Azerbaijani First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva in Rome and emphasized the importance of the projects implemented jointly with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. The mayor appreciated the Heydar Aliyev Foundation`s contribution to archaeological excavations around the Mercati di Traiano museum.

President Ilham Aliyev said the museum, which represented architectural and cultural heritage, belonged not only to Rome but all mankind. He said he was proud that Azerbaijan contributed to the excavation around Mercati di Traiano. “I think this is an important element of our bilateral relations,” said the head of state, adding that cultural cooperation was of special importance. President Ilham Aliyev said Italian history and culture was very popular in Azerbaijan, noting that the promotion of Azerbaijan`s culture in Italy was of great importance.

Saying that the relations between the two countries had reached a very high level, the head of state noted that Italy was Azerbaijan`s key trading partner in Europe and the world. President Ilham Aliyev said the energy partnership was successful, while the TAP project, which would redraw the energy map of Europe, was of tremendous importance to Azerbaijan. The head of state expressed his confidence that bilateral cooperation would cover infrastructure, construction, high technologies and economic areas in the future.

After the meeting President Ilham Aliyev signed the museum`s guest book.

The head of state then attended the signing ceremony of the agreement between the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Rome Mayor`s Office.

The agreement stipulates the allocation of funds for archaeological excavations in the area of the Mercati di Traiano museum.

Ignazio Marino then presented President Ilham Aliyev with a souvenir symbolizing the city of Rome.

Then the head of state and the mayor of Rome reviewed the area where archaeological excavation is to be carried out and admired the panoramic views of Rome.

In conclusion, President Ilham Aliyev gave an interview to Italian journalists.

President Ilham Aliyev said:

- I am very pleased to come to the beautiful city of Rome. It is a very important day for our relations. Italian-Azerbaijani relations are developing very well and cover various areas. We are good friends and partners. We are proud of the fact that Azerbaijan is involved in restoring your historical and architectural heritage. Your history, culture and architecture belong to all mankind. Azerbaijan is proud to be involved in this process.

Today we held discussions with the mayor and will continue our cooperation. The Agreement signed today means that we have entered a new stage of cooperation. Political, economic and energy issues are very important for us, as they connect our countries. However, culture connects not only politicians and countries, but also people. Today, the intercultural relations between our countries, the contacts between people and the mutual interest in each other’s history reinforce this partnership. So today we can talk about a high-level cooperation between our two countries, as it covers many areas.

It is very nice to enjoy the picturesque panorama of your city from here. I have repeatedly visited Rome before, but did not see it from here. I do hope that we will soon make some important finds in these areas together.

Mayor Ignazio Marino said:

- We are grateful to President Ilham Aliyev for helping us. With this help we will carry out archeological excavations in Alexandria Street. We promise that during the next visit of Mr. President to Italy we will show the results of the work done.

I will also say that we are satisfied with the development of relations between our countries. Naturally, the agreement between the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Azerbaijan and the Mayor’s Office of the City of Rome signed today is an important document. It is evidence of the development of relations between our countries in the cultural sphere. We attach great importance to that. I am confident that this document will contribute to the further expansion of our cooperation in the future.