OFFICIAL NEWS
PRESIDENT OF AZERBAIJAN ILHAM ALIYEV RECEIVES UK SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE ON SOUTH CAUCASUS BRIAN FALL
President Ilham Aliyev highly appreciated Mr. Brian Fall’s activity and noted that his visit to the region would contribute to expanding cooperation between the two countries. Speaking of rapidly developing political and economic relations between Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom, the Head of State mentioned active involvement of British companies and investors in the large-scale energy projects being implemented in Azerbaijan. In this connection, he expressed special satisfaction with activities of British Petroleum in realization of oil and gas projects of not only regional but also global significance.
Touching upon regional problems, President Ilham Aliyev pointed to unsolved Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict resulted in occupation of 20% of Azerbaijan’s territories and existence of over one million refugees, and expressed hope for international organizations to intensify their efforts for its urgent solution. He also stressed the necessity of the UK representative’s active contribution in peace process.
Mr. Brian Fall especially emphasized that British companies invest in not only oil and gas sector but are also actively involved in development of other spheres of Azerbaijan’s economy. He noted as well that during this second visit to Azerbaijan he had become a witness of great progress and positive changes occurred in the country.
The guest siad that Azerbaijan, which had created favorable conditions for not only British but also a number of respectable investors from other countries, has bright and prosperous future.
Expressing concern over the long-lasting Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh problem, the UK special representative on the South Caucasus Mr. Brian Fall described the refugees and IDPs as those suffered most from the conflict, and highly appreciated President Ilham Aliyev’s efforts for both its peaceful settlement and improvement of the people’s living conditions.
A comprehensive exchange of views on a number of other issues of mutual interest was also held during the meeting.
Mr. Brian Fall expressed gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for the sincere conversation.
Present at the meeting were Chief of the Presidential Administration’s International Relations Department Mr. Novruz Mammadov and Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Azerbaijan Mr. Laurie Bristow.