Baku, March 30, AZERTAC

A delegation led by Riga Duma Vice-Mayor and the Chairman of the Freeport of Riga Board Mr. Andris Ameriks have visited Surakhani District of Baku, Azerbaijan, to discuss expansion of cooperation between the Surakhani District Executive Power and East Executive Board of Riga City Council, as well as development of friendly relations between the two nations.

The delegation familiarized themselves with “Ateshgah Temple” and State Historical-Architectural Reserve. They were informed that the "Ateshgah Temple" was built in 17-18th century and included in the UNESCO`s Preliminary World Heritage List.

It was declared a state historical-architectural reserve by decree of the President of Azerbaijan on 19 December 2007.

The area of the reserve has been expanded from 4.2 to 15 thousand square meters. The main building with the area of over 2,000 square meters was constructed in special architectural style.

It was noted that flame to ignite the first European Games torch will be taken from " Ateshgah Temple", the State Historical-Architectural Reserve.

Then, the guests visited the Heydar Aliyev Center and Heydar Aliyev Park in Surakhani District. Riga Duma Vice-Mayor and head of the Surakhani Executive Power Ilgar Abbasov planted a tree of friendship in Heydar Aliyev Park.

Ongoing meeting in Executive Power of Surakhani District discussed issues of bilateral cooperation. The delegation was informed about the large-scale redevelopment works carried out in the country including the Surakhani District. The participants as well exchanged views on prospects for cooperation.

Expressing his gratitude for sincere meeting, Andris Ameriks stressed the importance of strengthening relations in all fields.

Surakhani Executive Power and East Executive Board of Riga City Council inked agreement on cooperation on May 14, 2013. A business relationship has been established between the sides since then and implementation of joint projects is expected.