AZERBAIJAN-LITHUANIA BUSINESS FORUM HELD IN VILNIUS
The Azerbaijan-Lithuania business forum was held in Vilnius on Thursday with Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Valdas Adamkus in attendance.
Organizers of the forum, which brought together representatives of about fifty companies from Azerbaijan and hundred from Lithuania, are Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation, Azerbaijan Ministry of Economic Development and Confederation of Industrialists of Lithuania.
The forum was opened by Bronislav Lubis, President of the Confederation of Industrialists of Lithuania, who stressed the necessity to enhance ties between the two countries` businessmen.
He said Azerbaijan`s diaspora in Lithuania can play key role in this process.
Lubis said Lithuania is interested in exporting furniture,
food and textile production to Azerbaijan, adding Azerbaijan for its part could be interested in Lithuania`s oil refineries as well as Klaipeda seaport, which he said differs from those in Russia and Europe in low tariffs.
Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus informed the forum’s participants on Lithuania-Azerbaijan talks, stressing the documents signed will give impetus to further enhancement of bilateral relations.
Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev said despite the high level of political cooperation, economic ties between the two countries do not meet their existing potential.
The Azeri leader spoke of his country`s economic progress.
Ilham Aliyev said Azerbaijan is initiator of huge transport and energy projects in the region.
He said Azerbaijan doesn’t want to depend from oil and gas sector, and is intensively developing its non-oil sector.
The Azerbaijan President said he believes the forum will give a huge boost to development of bilateral relations and enhancement of trade between the two countries.
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Later the same day, President Ilham Aliyev and members of his delegation laid flowers at the gravesite of national heroes who died for Lithuania`s independence, at the city cemetery.
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After that, Ilham Aliyev saw sights of Vilnius.
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On Thursday evening, Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus hosted and official reception in honor of President Ilham Aliyev and first lady Mehriban Aliyeva.
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Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev is continuing his official visit to Lithuania.
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