Azerbaijan aspires to multi-faceted relations with Italy

Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
Nov 26 2004

President Ilham Aliyev, receiving a delegation led by Italian Deputy
Foreign Minister Margherita Boniver on Thursday, said Azerbaijan
is rapidly integrating into Europe and is actively involved in the
European Union New Neighborhood Policy.

Aliyev pointed out the successfully developing economic cooperation
between Azerbaijan and Italy, particularly in the oil and gas
sector, and said his country aspires for these relations to cover
the political, social, cultural and other areas as well.

Touching upon Armenia’s aggression against Azerbaijan, the President
said that the Upper Garabagh conflict has dealt a serious blow on
the peace and security in the region.

Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Boniver said extensive preparations
are under way in her country for President Aliyev’s upcoming visit
to Rome and pointed out the importance of the visit for bilateral
relations. She also emphasized the existing opportunities for expanding
collaboration in the area of agriculture, tourism and other fields.*