Azerbaijan, Latvia discuss prospects for economic cooperation
Baku, November 29 (AZERTAC). Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Artur Rasizade met Wednesday his Latvian counterpart Valdis Dombrovskis.
Rasizade briefed Dombrovskis on results of economic reforms carried out in his country, GDP growth rate, local and foreign investments made in infrastructure. The Azerbaijani Premier said development of non-oil sector was a priority in his country. “As a result of reforms carried out in Azerbaijan non-oil sector increased by more than 10 percent.”
Rasizade underlined the importance of the Azerbaijan-Latvia business forum held in Baku. He stressed the necessity of intensification of bilateral economic cooperation.
The Azerbaijani Prime Minister said the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict was a major problem for his country. “In the wake of this conflict, Armenia has occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijani territories and more than one million Azerbaijanis were forcibly driven out from their original lands. The problem must be solved on the basis of Azerbaijan`s territorial integrity,” the Premier emphasized.
For his part, Valdis Dombrovskis spoke of the outcomes of the Azerbaijan-Latvia business forum. The Latvian Prime Minister noted favorable conditions exist for development of economic cooperation between the two countries. He added the interest of Latvian businessmen in Azerbaijan increases. Dombrovskis said expansion of cultural and tourism cooperation would be important for both countries. He also underscored the importance of high-level meetings and reciprocal visits.
During the meeting, the sides also discussed launching direct and transit flights between Azerbaijan and Latvia, preparation of joint projects in industry and ICT fields and other issues of mutual interest.