POLITICS
AZERBAIJANI SPEAKER MEETS DELEGATION OF GERMANY-SOUTH CAUCASUS PARLIAMENTARY GROUP
Azerbaijan`s Speaker Ogtay Asadov met with delegation of the Bundestag`s Germany-South Caucasus Parliamentary Group to discuss bilateral relations.
Asadov said reciprocal visits contribute to the enhancement of the two countries` ties.
The Speaker said his country places particular emphasis on development of relationships with Germany.
The Milli Majlis Chairman stressed the two countries have noticeable strengthened their relations after Azerbaijan`s gaining independence.
Ogtay Asadov also pointed to close relations between the Milli Majlis and the Bundestag.
He noted Azerbaijan and Germany are successfully cooperating in various fields, including science, education and culture.
The Azeri Speaker said his country is today making contribution to providing energy security in Europe.
Asadov said Azerbaijan plays the role of a bridge between Europe and Asia thanks to its developing transport infrastructure and Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil and Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum gas pipelines.
The Milli Majlis Chairman also touched upon the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia, saying it impedes the process of his country`s integration into Euroatlantic structures.
Asadov said Azerbaijan wants the dispute to be solved on the basis of international legal norms.
He expressed hope that Germany would support Azerbaijan`s just stance.
Head of the Germany-South Caucasus Parliamentary Group Steffen Reiche said he and his delegation are satisfied with the results of meetings they had had in Baku.
He stressed Germany is keen to boost bilateral cooperation with Azerbaijan in various fields including politics, economy, culture, science, education and tourism.
Reiche said Azerbaijan`s prosperity has sparked German investors` interest.
Head of the Germany-South Caucasus Parliamentary Group said the two countries also plan to ease the visa regime for their citizens.
Reiche noted his country supports Azerbaijan`s stance on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and recognizes the country`s territorial integrity.
He added Armenia must return the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, and should understand that it is useless to be at enmity with a strong state.