PRESIDENTS OF AZERBAIJAN AND HUNGARY GIVE JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE
After signing the documents on bilateral relations, Presidents of Azerbaijan and Hungary held a joint press conference on Monday at the Hungarian President`s Palace. The Heads of States made their statements.
“We consider that relationships between the two countries are at high level, and there are good prospects for development today`s relations in the future,” said Hungarian President, adding signing the documents has created a legal basis for these prospects.
Laszlo Solyom thanked Azerbaijani leader for having a plaque installed in Azerbaijan in commemoration of Hungarian soldiers who died in Azerbaijan during the World War II.
Solyom said Hungarian companies are keen on investing in the agrarian sector of Azerbaijan in the future. According to him, both countries are interested in diversification of energy supplies, in particular, transportation of energy resources via Hungary to Europe. From this point of view, Hungary supports the Nabucco project, the President noted.
“Hungary wants to share its experience in the field of integration within the framework of the European Union`s New Neighborhood Policy. We support ongoing reforms to establish the rule of law and democracy in Azerbaijan. At the same time, we will support the establishment of European Union`s standards, in particular, human rights and freedom of the press standards in Azerbaijan,” said the Hungarian President.
In his turn, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev thanked Hungarian counterpart for inviting to Hungary.
“Our relationships are strategic, and no doubt, they will be strengthened in all areas even more after this visit. With political ties developing, of course, the cooperation in the economic sphere will reach a much higher level as well,” President Aliyev said in his statement.
According to Ilham Aliyev, at the beginning of implementation of the European Union`s New Neighborhood Policy in 2006, Azerbaijan`s aim was to bring existing criteria in Azerbaijan within five years in line with those of the European Union. According to him, Azerbaijan is moving towards its aim at a high pace.
President Ilham Aliyev said discussions also dealt with energy security issues, which are of great importance to the world and Europe. He said he is hopeful that this factor will play its role in development of bilateral relations.
“Azerbaijan has very rich oil and gas fields. Four pipelines transport oil and gas produced in Azerbaijan in four directions to the European and world markets. At the end of the last year, for the first time in the history, Azerbaijani gas was shipped to the European Union area,” said the Head of State. He noted Europe`s energy security will be ensured even more as soon as new projects are implemented.
“I invited Mr. President to Azerbaijan for an official visit, and we are ready to welcome him in Azerbaijan at his convenience. I am sure this visit will be definitely successful and play a serious role in developing bilateral relationships,” President Aliyev added.
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