POLITICS
"Launch of Baku- Tbilisi Kars Railway has made Azerbaijan hub of regional transportation and increased options manifold"
Baku, January 27, AZERTAC
Launch of Baku- Tbilisi Kars Railway has made Azerbaijan the hub of regional transportation and increased the options manifold, said Indian ambassador in Baku Sanjay Rana at the reception marking the 69th Republic Day of India.
Ambassador Sanjay Rana highlighted his country`s history of independence. He said spoke of relations between the two countries: "I am happy to note India and Azerbaijan enjoy warm and friendly relations. Our historical links continue to grow into an economic partnership between a strong and independent India and a strong and independent Azerbaijan."
"Our bilateral cooperation is growing in all areas. We are proud to be partner in Oil and Gas Sector. Our ONGC Videsh is a co-signatory to the revised 'Contract of Century' signed in September 2017." "Our Minister of State for External Affairs, Mr. M.J. Akbar, visited Baku in November 2017 and had excellent meetings with Honourable President of Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Aliyev and Foreign Minister Mr. Elmar Mammadyarov. They discussed a number of areas where the bilateral relations could be expanded. We would like to have more high-level visits between the two countries and we are working towards this direction."
He touched upon the new fields where both countries could cooperate: "India hopes to develop a close, multi-faceted partnership with Azerbaijan, built on shared priorities of prosperity for our people, respect for each-other's interests and respect for international law.
He mentioned the International North-South and East-West Transport Corridors, saying "Azerbaijan has a special geographical location at the intersection of the corridors."
"India has developed the modern port of Chahbahar in Iran which has started functioning. Recently fifth consignment of wheat from India was delivered to Afghanistan through the Chahbahar port.This port like Bandar Abbas would link to North-South Transport Corridor and boost our mutual trade," he added.
Azerbaijan`s Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Huseyngulu Bagirov congratulated the people of India on the Republic Day on behalf of the people and the Government of Azerbaijan. Huseyngulu Bagirov said the two countries have recently undertaken many steps to develop bilateral relations.
The event was attended by Azerbaijani state and governmental officials, foreign ambassadors, as well as a delegation of India.
India gained independence on 15th August 1947. It was on 26 January 1950 that the people of India became master of their destiny when they gave themselves a constitution that proclaimed India as a sovereign, democratic republic.