MEETING AT MILLI MAJLIS
President Mohammad Khatami and accompanied delegation familiarized with the Parliament’s museum.
After that a meeting between the Iranian President Khatami and MM Speaker Murtuz Alasgarov was held.
Mr. Alasgarov noted in particular that historically friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Iran have intensively developed since Azerbaijan gained its state independence. Pointing out the special role of the heads of the two states in bringing the relations to today’s level, he said the numerous documents signed during the visits by nationwide leader of the Azerbaijan people Heydar Aliyev to Iran and former Iranian President Hashini Rafsanjani to Azerbaijan, had created a solid legal basis for development of the bilateral relations. The present visit by Mr. Mohammad Khatami to Azerbaijan and the newly signed documents, according to him, will give additional impetus to expanding the cooperation between the two countries.
The Milli Majlis Chairman further touched on the Interparliamentary relations, and provided detailed information on the situation related to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. In this connection he expressed dissatisfaction with the activities of the OSCE Minsk group immediately engaged in the problems resolution. Mr. Alasgarov stated that Azerbaijan stands for peaceful resolution of the conflict, but unless the peace talks bring positive results, it would resort to other ways to liberate its territories. He expressed gratitude to Iran for supporting Azerbaijan’s stance on the conflict within the framework of the Organization Islamic Conference.
President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mohammad Khatami stressed that his country is very interesting in development of relations with Azerbaijan, and that since the country re-gained its independence, Iran has always been nearby. According to him, one of the main principles of Iranian foreign policy is cooperation with all states in the region. We are taking every effort to develop our relations, the President said.
He expressed hope that the new document signed by the two countries’ presidents will ensure development of the bilateral relations and strengthening of the legal basis. Iran is very pleased of the stability established in Azerbaijan as this stability means that in Iran, President Khatami stated.
The Iranian leader expressed hope that the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh would be solved soon, and eternal peace would be established in the region. He also advised that the Iranian parliament is expected to ratify the agreement on the legal status of the Caspian Sea. We hope this Convention will play an important role in protection of the Caspian ecology and health of the people in the littoral states, President Khatami said.
Present at the meeting were first deputy Chairman of the Milli Majlis Arif Rahimzadeh, deputy Chairman Jovhar Bakhshaliyeva and other officials.
After the meeting, President of Iran Mohammad Khatami and Chairman of the Milli Majlis Murtuz Alasgarov addressed the Parliament.
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