POLITICS
CZHAN SIUN, AMBASSADOR OF CHINA TO AZERBAIJAN:
“HEYDAR ALIYEV HAS A GREAT INFLUENCE IN CHINA”
In development of the relations between Baku and Beijing, president Heydar Aliyev has a particular role. Mr. Heydar Aliyev has a great influence in China. Yet in 1980s, being the First Deputy of Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the USSR, Heydar Aliyev, though it was another time and conditions, he was one of the first Soviet leaders who tried to adjust the relations with China. Returning to power in Azerbaijan for the second time, Heydar Aliyev paid special attention to the links with China.
In March 1994, President Heydar Aliyev made his historical visit to China. During the visit, a lot was done, signed were seven documents on bilateral relations. Hitherto, over thirty documents have been signed between the two countries on cooperation in political, economic and other spheres. There is a favorable legal base to develop this cooperation.
Our peoples, countries have mutual understanding in the issues of national interests. This, first, is the country’s principle of respect for its choice. Secondly, it is the question of each country’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. We know that Azerbaijan backs China in the Taiwan question and appreciate it. We try to do the same. Third, there have been established good links between the leadership of the two countries. Organized were mutual visits in diverse levels. All these promote to speak of existence of weighty successes in political relations. We shall try to further develop our relations as we were recommended by leadership of our countries.
There is another moment to remind. In May, there was a hard situation in China connected with the SARS virus. In that time, Heydar Aliyev’s telegram greatly echoed among the population of China, and we felt Azerbaijani besides us. In a word, Heydar Aliyev has great contributions in development of the Chinese-Azerbaijani relations.
July 2003