STATEMENT BY ILHAM ALIYEV, PRESIDENT OF AZERBAIJAN
As already reported, the Prime Minister of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan has visited Azerbaijan on 20 August. The same day, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister of Turkey made joint statements for media representatives.
President of Azerbaijan, in particular, said:
“Dear Mr. Prime Minister,
Dear guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
First of all I would like to cordially greet you, Mr. Prime Minister and my brother, in Azerbaijan. You are welcome!
Today we comprehensively discussed all aspects of the Turkish-Azerbaijani relations. As you know, the relations between our two countries dynamically grow, and I would say, that today they are at the highest point. The Turkish-Azerbaijani cooperation, interrelation is strengthening in all fields - in political, economic, cultural, and yield very positive results for both of our countries, nations and the entire region a part of which we are.
We shall aspire to realize all the projects we have started, and as soon as possible. As known, we have much joint economic, transport, energy projects, which strengthen our countries and at the same time bring to the region cooperation, stability. The Turkish-Azerbaijani cooperation factor plays very important role in establishment of stability, peace and tranquility in region.
In the whole, during the independence period, Azerbaijan has made its sincerest steps in the bilateral relations, and we persistently felt support, fraternal attitude, friendship of Turkey. These relations today allow us to expand all formats of our cooperation. Such grandiose projects as Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan, Baku-Tbilisi- Erzurum and Baku-Tbilisi-Kars, prove that thanks to our will and persistence, under our initiative successfully are being realized all the projects in which many didn’t believe.
Today in the focus are, of course, the issues of energy, transport, security, what were the topics of our talks. We had comprehensive exchange of views on other questions, too.
Perhaps, the ongoing processes in region deeply concern us. Discussed were the events in the neighboring Georgia. We are verily keen that the life in the next countries became quiet, has established stability, put an end to confrontation.
As you know, Russia and Georgia are neighbors to Azerbaijan. We have common borders with both countries. With both of them, we have friendly ties and we very much want that our friends befriended with each other. In this sense, I am convinced that the Turkish-Azerbaijani relations and initiatives will lead to strengthening of peace and stability in region.
We want all the projects we have started brought to the region extra spirit of cooperation. All the steps we have undertaken, all our plans pursue just this goal: ensuring interests and improvement of welfare of our countries and nations, at the same time, guarantee stability and security. The last days` events show how flimsy is stability in region. By joint efforts and steps, undertaken in larger format, we have to aspire and we do aspire to stability of situation in region. Successful realization of the current projects is the major term for stability in region.
The events in Georgia, have, of course, damaged economic interests of each country. According to the latest data, export potential of Azerbaijan was notably affected. Our transport opportunities have narrowed. As you know, as a result of blast in railway bridge in Georgia, volume of Azerbaijan’s export has reduced.
We, of course, want establishment of situation in the neighboring country, peaceful settlement of the problem. Simultaneously, all the principles of international law have certainly to be observed. Azerbaijan recognizes territorial integrity of all countries. We consider that all conflicts have to be settled through negotiations, peacefully, and on the basis of international law.
Today we, of course, have also mulled over the steps for settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabakh conflict. I would reiterate that today, as ever, Turkey obviously made clear its position. Turkey supports territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and confirms its rightfulness. The Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabakh conflict, as the analogous ones, can be solved only on the basis of principles of international law. Territorial integrity of Azerbaijan has to be restored, and it is not subject to negotiations.
Today we have also widely discussed other questions. The agenda, I would say, was very large, and it included many other questions. Our growing economic potential, strength, of course, reinforce our position in region. The stronger is the position of Turkey and Azerbaijan the more substantial is stability in region.
I once again welcome in Azerbaijan my dear friend, brother, esteemed Prime Minister, all the guests, and wish the Turkish people happiness and health.
Thanks.
######
 |
 |
 |
Other news in this section
