STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT OF POLAND LECH KACZYNSKI
Esteemed President Aliyev,
Esteemed delegation of Azerbaijan,
Ladies and gentlemen!
First of all, allow me to extend my greetings to all of you. I feel a great sense of satisfaction at the fact that Mr. President Ilham Aliyev has accepted my invitation and come to our country on an official visit. We have been cooperating over two years. The current visit, however, is of particular importance for our countries as it coincides with the period when relationships between the two states have become closer and acquired a strategic character. Azerbaijan is a strategic ally for Poland, which regards assistance to Azerbaijan in the country’s integration into Euro-Atlantic structures as important part of its foreign policy.
I have to mention as well that we were looking forward to this official visit by the Mr. President. During today’s talks with Mr. President Ilham Aliyev, he pointed out that the Karabakh problem should be settled peacefully. The process, however, must be based on the international legal norms. According to the international law, Nagorny Karabakh is part of Azerbaijan, and we are supportive of this position even though we have relations with Armenia.
Secondly, we had very interesting discussions on a variety of issues. Touching on the energy policy, the President noted that unlike the situation we faced a year ago, the energy issue in our region now cannot be considered beyond politics. We have exchanged views on the situation in the friendly countries, which are of natural interest for Poland. We have also discussed existing risks, opportunities and problems; reviewed the progress achieved in energy cooperation, especially, since the Krakow conference. We know that Azerbaijan possesses not only huge oil but also natural gas reserves. It is very important to Poland. Later we will proceed with this issue with Mr. President. Besides, we discussed our cooperation in other areas of mutual interest.
It was my great pleasure to present Mr. President with the highest award of the Republic of Poland - the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit. Mr. Aliyev has been given this merit award for his contribution to development of relations between our two countries. We know you achieved freedom in the beginning of the 20th century. The people of Azerbaijan have struggled for sovereignty and independence over history.
Thank you very much, Mr. President.
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