Davos, January 23, AZERTAC

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has met with President of the Swiss Confederation Ueli Maurer in Davos.

The sides hailed the successful development of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Switzerland in a variety of areas.

President Ueli Maurer noted that the Swiss businessmen are satisfied with the conditions created for business environment in Azerbaijan. “They praise the favorable conditions created for the expansion of economic development and business opportunities in Azerbaijan. The launch of air communication between Azerbaijan and Switzerland is also of great importance in terms of expanding cooperation.”

President Ilham Aliyev highlighted what has been done in the field of infrastructure in Azerbaijan, describing the country as a key transit country in terms of international transportation. The head of state pointed to the launch of railway cargo transportation from Asia to Europe through the territory of Azerbaijan.

President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that the trains manufactured in Switzerland contribute to the renovation and development of railway network in Azerbaijan, saying that cooperation in this area is successfully underway.

The importance of SOCAR’s making investment in Switzerland in terms of expanding bilateral cooperation was hailed at the meeting.

President Ilham Aliyev underlined Azerbaijan’s keenness to attract more Swiss companies as investors to the country’s economic development. The head of state expressed his confidence that the Swiss companies will continue close cooperation with Azerbaijan in the years to come.

The necessity of expanding mutual trade was underlined during the meeting. The Swiss companies’ involvement in alternative energy production in Azerbaijan was also pointed out.

President Ilham Aliyev highlighted large-scale work done in this field, and noted the importance of studying the Swiss experience in this regard.

The head of state emphasized that the conditions created for the business environment, and the development processes in Azerbaijan have been recognized by international organizations and reflected in international ratings.

It was noted that the construction of a cement plant by Holcim in Azerbaijan played a pivotal role in laying of the foundation for economic cooperation. The head of state hailed the role of the cement plant in Azerbaijan’s economic development.

Swiss President Ueli Maurer underlined his country’s keenness to take specific steps in terms of expanding economic cooperation with Azerbaijan.

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As part of the World Economic Forum, President Ilham Aliyev met with the Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation Maxim Oreshkin.

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On January 23, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev completed his visit to Swiss Confederation.