Istanbul, April 2 (AZERTAC). As part of the official visit to Turkey, Azerbaijan`s delegation led by head of the Presidential Administration Ramiz Mehdiyev met, in Ciragan Palace, representatives of the Turkish mass media.

Opening the event, Secretary General of the Turkish President`s Office Mustafa Isen spoke of the meetings Mehdiyev had in Ankara.

In his remarks, Mehdiyev described his three-day visit to Turkey as “very fruitful,” during which, he added, he held discussions with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, parliament`s speaker Mehmet Ali Shahin and other officials.

He noted he also had productive discussions on the Azerbaijan-Turkey relationship in Gazi University.

Answering Turkish journalists` questions about Azerbaijan, Mehdiyev said the modern independent Azerbaijani statehood was founded by national leader Heydar Aliyev, and President Ilham Aliyev successfully continues his policy.

He said his country, a regional leader according to Western analysts, is developing very rapidly. He added dynamic development was underway in both capital Baku and the regions. “Economic situation in Azerbaijan is very good, so, despite the global financial crisis, GDP has grown by 9, 3 percent in the country.”

Touching upon the democratic situation in Azerbaijan, Mehdiyev said successful reforms are underway in the country to protect human rights.

He said President Ilham Aliyev`s policy, paves the way for Azerbaijan to become one of the democratic and developed countries. “The Azerbaijani people are happy for having such President as Ilham Aliyev. The people love him and support his policy.”

Mehdiyev said no one could interfere in the Azerbaijan-Turkey relationship which, he stressed, is at the highest level.

Head of the Presidential Administration also touched upon the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, saying official Yerevan demonstrates non-constructive position on the ongoing negotiations to settle the dispute, and declares that it does no agree with the Madrid principles. “Though these principles do not satisfy Azerbaijan, we assess them as a stage.”

He noted unfortunately, the OSCE Minsk Group, engaged in settling the conflict for 20 years, does not demand Armenia to stop the aggression against Azerbaijan. “We have the right to liberate our territories by any means,” he added.

Mehdiyev underlined Azerbaijan has strong army, and reforms to develop the military industry in the country are underway.

He also pointed out the Azerbaijani people was pleased with Turkey`s position that it will not ratify the protocols signed with Armenia, unless Yerevan withdraw its troops from the occupied territories. “We must not forget that Armenia also claims the territories of Turkey.”

Azerbaijan also supports Turkey, “a fraternal country”, to fight activities of the Armenian lobby and their supporters. After the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs passed a decision on the so-called Armenian genocide President Ilham Aliyev declared that he stands side by side with fraternal Turkey.

According to Mehdiyev, Azerbaijan also praises the fact that Turkey and Russia have recently increased efforts towards settling the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Mehdiyev also called on the two countries` some journalists to avoid writing reports against each-other, adding “you should mainly focus on fighting those forces that have hostility towards our countries and peoples.”

Following the meeting, a reception was given in Topkapi Palace for the delegation of Azerbaijan`s Presidential Administration on behalf of Istanbul Governor Muammer Guler.