POLITICS
AZERI SPEAKER MEETS SWISS DELEGATION
Baku, May 11 (AZERTAC). Speaker of the Azerbaijan Parliament Ogtay Asadov has met a Swiss delegation led by chairwoman of Switzerland-Azerbaijan Parliament friendship group Ms Christine Egerszegi-Obrist.
Asadov said relations between Azerbaijan and Switzerland were developing, praising the role of heads of states in this regard.
He said agreements achieved during reciprocal visits by Presidents and parliament speakers “bear their results”. “I hope your current visit will stimulate development of our ties,” Asadov stated.
The Speaker hailed establishment of friendship groups in the Swiss Parliament, saying these groups will play “important” role in deepening relations not only between parliaments but also peoples of Azerbaijan and Switzerland.
Talking about “dynamic” development of the country, its position in the region and participation in regional projects, Asadov said Armenia`s keeping territories of Azerbaijan under occupation puts serious obstacles to the progress in the region. “The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is a serious threat either for the region or Europe,” Asadov stressed.
The Speaker noted parliaments of Germany and Italy have adopted “special” documents concerning situation the Southern Caucasus, which called Armenia an “aggressor”. According to his words, British Parliament is developing such a document too.
“We thank the government of Switzerland for its position over settlement of the Karabakh conflict and for supporting Azerbaijan`s territorial integrity. We want the Swiss Parliament to adopt such a document,” Asadov said.
Egerszegi-Obrist thanked the Azeri Speaker for hospitability.
She said “this is my third visit to Azerbaijan and always witness new level of development”.
“The developing Azerbaijan is very important for Switzerland which is trying to find a strong friend for itself. Swiss businessmen praise Azerbaijan`s dynamic development and natural resources, and are much interested in putting investment in the country,” Egerszegi-Obrist noted.
She said Switzerland is concerned about delay in the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
“This conflict, in fact, is a source of threat not only for the region but also for Europe itself. The problem must find its fair solution,” she said.
Egerszegi-Obrist said parliaments also can play important role in settlement of conflicts, stressing the importance of cooperation between Azeri and Swiss parliamentarians within international organizations.