Baku, September 24, AZERTAC

Jeyhun Bayramov, Azerbaijan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, met Monday with Paulo Rangel, Minister of State and Foreign Affairs of the Portuguese Republic, on the sidelines of the high-level week of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

During the meeting, the sides discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and Portugal in political, economic, energy, cultural, humanitarian fields, as well as multilateral cooperation within international organizations.

The meeting also saw discussions on current regional and international situation.

The two emphasized the importance of taking advantage of the mechanism of political consultations in terms of discussing prospects for developing cooperation between the two countries.

Minister Bayramov commended the successful cooperation between Azerbaijan and a number of European countries on energy security, noting that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Partnership in the field of energy between Azerbaijan and the European Union is a proof of the successful collaboration.

The minister noted that Azerbaijan is ready for practical cooperation with a number of European countries, including Portugal regarding the development of alternative energy sources.

FM Bayramov expressed his confidence that Azerbaijan’s hosting 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change would make a significant contribution to the fight against climate change. The Azerbaijani Minister stressed that it created important avenue for expanding cooperation between the two countries.

He underlined the importance of Azerbaijan’s strategic and geographical position, as well as opportunities of the implemented projects and initiatives towards the development of the Middle Corridor.

Minister Bayramov informed his Portuguese counterpart about the current situation and realities in the region in the post-conflict period, the large-scale restoration and construction works carried out in the liberated territories, including efforts to fight the current mine threat in Azerbaijan, as well as the ongoing process of normalization and peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

The Azerbaijani FM also underscored that the ongoing claims against the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan in the Constitution of Armenia are the major obstacle to the peace process.

The meeting also exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest.