On 5 December, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received at the President Palace the deputy foreign minister of India Rajindra Madkhukar Abkhuankar and his entourage.

Warmly greeting the guests, head of the Azerbaijani state Ilham Aliyev said: “Last years, between India and Azerbaijan there has been established a dialogue which is of great significance for both countries. Our relations should develop in all spheres that will benefit both countries. In particular, there are good opportunities for cooperation in the field of economy.

Azerbaijan, from the economic point of view is a dynamically developing country. Foreign investments are protected here in high level, and we would like that the Indian companies implement their activities and work here. At opinion of President Ilham Aliyev, participation of Azerbaijan in the project of transport corridor North-South will serve strengthening economic links between our countries.

Expressing his gratitude for warm reception Mr. Rajindra Madkhukar Abkhuankar conveyed to Ilham Aliyev a letter of congratulations of the President of India on his election as the head of Azerbaijani state and said: “IN this letter, our president invites You to pay an official visit to India. We have invited several time President Heydar Aliyev to visit India. We hope that You will realize it. WE are very pleased that You win at the elections, conducted in Azerbaijan in democratic conditions”.

Touching upon the economic links between the two countries, the guest said: “One of the famous Indian companies intends to realize in Ganja its activity. In January, the minister of commerce of India will arrive in Azerbaijan and in this visit he will be accompanied by some 30 businessmen of our country”.

Head of the delegation informed on his meetings with the minister of economic development, president of SOCAR, and said: “ India is very keen in putting investment in the oil industry of Azerbaijan. I shall promote the Indian minister of oil and natural gas to visit Baku for relevant negotiations. Our interest in co-op in the oil sector is completely natural, so currently we annually import 80 million tons of oil. Therefore, Mr. President, we seek opportunity for participation in the oil industry anywhere in the world. We look forward to Your support in this cause.

President Ilham Aliyev requested to convey to President of India his greetings and gratitude for invitation to visit this country. Head of the Azerbaijani state said: “President Heydar Aliyev planned to visit India, however, there was no opportunity. I hope that recently I will realize this visit.

We should develop cooperation in all spheres, in particular, in the field of economy. I was informed that the Indian company wants to invest in Azerbaijan at the territory of Dashkesen region and in the result of the said project there will be opened 2 thousands working places. This is also one of the priorities of our policy.

One of the tasks Azerbaijan faces is elimination of unemployment. An extremely important role in this plays both local and foreign investments”.

Head of the Azerbaijani state underlined: “We would like that the Indian companies work in the oil sector of Azerbaijan. We have good practice in this field. Great amount of investments were put in the oil sector of Azerbaijan. All investments are protected and will be protected at high level. I hope that the results of your negotiations at the State Oil Company will be successful.

President Ilham Aliyev said: “In India, oil consumption is increasing, while our country rises its production. In several years, after commissioning the main export pipeline, in Azerbaijan will be produced and transported to the world markets over 50 million tons of oil. Therefore, our interests in this field coincide.

Head of the foreign relations department of President Administration Novruz Mammadov and other officials participated at the reception.