On 5 December, deputy foreign minister of Azerbaijan Republic Khalaf Khalafov met the deputy foreign minister of India Rajindra Madkhukar Abkhuankar.

As stated, Mr. Khalaf Khalafov noted that the visit imparts hope that it would favor strengthening of friendly relations and expansion of business links between Azerbaijan and India, and would have great importance for perspectives of cooperation between the two countries. Deputy foreign minister Khalaf Khalafov underlined the necessity of expansion of dialogue between the foreign ministries of Azerbaijan and India, strengthening legal base for development of links in the economic, humanitarian, agrarian, medical, energy and oil spheres, continuation of useful co-op in the frame of international organizations and deepening co-op with India in combat against international terrorism.

Deputy minister Khalaf Khalafov updated the guest on socio-political situation in the Republic, on the democratic Presidential elections conducted on 15 October current year, on the on going economic reforms and a number of economic projects realized in the frame of TRASECA in the field of development and expansion of Europe-Caucasus-Asia transport corridor.

Presenting in the course of meeting detail information on the Armenian-Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabakh conflict and the work conducted in the field of its settlement, activity of the OSCE Minsk Group and hard plight of over one million Azerbaijani refugees, ousted from their homes as a result of the aggression by Armenia, deputy minister Khalaf Khalafov stressed the necessity of activation of efforts of the international community for quick settlement of the said conflict on the base of principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity of states and inviolability of their borders.

Deputy foreign minister of India Rajindra Madkhukar Abkhuankar stated that he attaches great importance to development of the relations between his country and Azerbaijan and hopes for continuation of co-op in this direction. Deputy foreign minister underscored that his country is for development of bilateral relations in political, economic, scholar and technological spheres and stressed the necessity of continuation of cooperation in the frame of international organizations.

Mr. Rajindra Madkhukar Abkhuankar said the Indian side is keen in creation of joint commission for further expansion of relations between India and Azerbaijan, development of cooperation in the field of investment in Azerbaijan, elimination.

of double taxation and legal assistance.

Touching upon the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno Karabakh conflict, Mr. Rajindra Madkhukar Abkhuankar expressed a hope for quick settlement of this problem due to joint efforts of international community.

At the meeting, also were discussed a number of other issues of mutual interest.