Aydin Aliyev, chairman of the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan, met with Han-Joachim Schterin, head of the German Customs Authority, August 27.

A. Aliyev noted cooperation between Azerbaijan and Germany has seen a great progress for recent years with economic and political relations developing successfully. According to the chairman, in the wake of economic reforms carried out by national leader Heydar Aliyev, Azerbaijan became a regional leader in terms of economic growth rates. He said Azerbaijan places a great emphasis on cooperation with Germany. A. Aliyev expressed his confidence that Hans-Joachim’s visit to Azerbaijan will enhance bilateral relations.

On the outlook of the Azerbaijan-Germany customs cooperation, A. Aliyev highlighted a need for experience exchange in fighting the smuggling.

A. Aliyev noted that German customs official will visit the World Customs Organization’s Regional Training Center in Baku and State Customs Committee’s Cynological Center.

Han-Joachim Schterin said today’s meeting will help deepen the existing cooperation. The document to be signed today is a very important step for cooperation between customs services of both countries.

Later, both top customs officials signed the “Joint Declaration of the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan Republic and German Customs Authority”.