AMBASSADOR TO ITALY MEETS WITH ITALIAN DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER
The Ambassador congratulated Mr. Krucianelli on his new appointment and Italy’s becoming a football World Cup winner. He added that on this occasion, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev had sent congratulatory messages to his Italian counterpart Giorgio Napolitano and Prime Minister of the country Romano Prodi.
Mr. Kerimov pointed out that there are wide opportunities for deepening relations between the two countries in all fields. He described Italy as Azerbaijan’s large trade partner mentioning that such Italian companies as Edison, Technimont and Fincantieri show great interest in making business in Azerbaijan.
The Ambassador thanked the Italian side for rendering technical and humanitarian assistance to Azerbaijan. He stressed the necessity of organizing a political dialogue between leaderships of the two countries after reshufflings in the Italian government.
Mr. Krucianelli said Italy is interested in expanding relations with Azerbaijan noting the country is located in a very important region, possesses rich natural resources and huge economic potential. He added his country is striving for enhancement of cooperation in not only energy but also other sectors of the economy. Mr. Krucianelli also pointed out Italy’s intention to contribute to democratic development in Azerbaijan.
Ambassador Kerimov dwelt on democratic reforms being implemented in Azerbaijan, and the policy conducted by the government towards economic development and bettering people’s well-being. He noted, however, that full-scale development of the region is being hampered by the aggressive policy of Armenia resulted in occupation of 20% of the Azerbaijan’s territories, destruction of cultural monuments on the occupied territories, ethnic cleansing and plight of more than one million Azerbaijani refugees and internally displaced people. “All this poses serious threat to security and regional cooperation in the Caucasus,” he said. Taking the chance, Mr. Kerimov thanked the Italian side for the support of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. He added that Azerbaijan wants this conflict to be resolved on the basis of the norms and principles of the international law, and within the framework of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.
Mr. Krucianelli expressed regret about the unresolved conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh noting his country is ready to contribute to peaceful resolution of the problem. He added that the existing conflicts in the South Caucasus jeopardize stability and security in the region, and stressed the need for more active involvement of the European Union in the process of their settlement.
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