BAKU: Azerbaijani FM Holds Bilateral Meetings

AZERBAIJANI FM HOLDS BILATERAL MEETINGS

AzerTag, Azerbaijan
June 21 2006

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov has held some meetings
on the sidelines of the 33rd Session of the Islamic Conference of
Foreign Ministers, Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry’s press-service
reported.

In the meeting between E. Mammadyarov and Foreign Minister of Lebanon
Fawzi Salloukh, the sides discussed political, economic cooperation
and shared their views on the situation in the region.

E. Mammadyarov updated his Lebanese counterpart on Armenia-Azerbaijan,
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and negotiations aimed at settling this
conflict.

F. Salloukh hoped that bilateral relations will be further developed,
saying that he attaches a great importance to cooperation between
the two countries.

Speaking of the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict Lebanese
Foreign Minister said that he supports territorial integrity of the
countries and inviolability of frontiers and stressed that Lebanon
will never recognize so-called "Nagorno-Karabakh Republic".

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The discussion at the meeting between Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan
E. Mammadyarov and Foreign Minister of Malaysia Syed Hamid Albar
revolved around economic, political cooperation, in particular,
cooperation in tourism sector. The parties noted that trade turnover
between the countries remains below the potential.

E. Mammadyarov said that there is no political discrepancy between
the countries and expressed hope that embassy of Azerbaijan will soon
be opened in Malaysia.

During the meeting, the Foreign Ministers shared their views on
the discussions held at the Baku session of the Islamic Conference
of Foreign Ministers, possibilities for cooperation within the
organization as well as regional and global issues.

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At the meeting between Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan E. Mammadyarov
and Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand Kantathi Suphamongkhon,
the discussions addressed the state of bilateral relations, diplomatic
mission issues, possibilities for developing cooperation within the
OIC and other questions.

During the meeting, the sides signed the protocol on cooperation
between the foreign ministries of Azerbaijan Republic and Kingdom
of Thailand.

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Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov met with UAE Minister
of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed Hussein Al Shaali. During the
meeting, the sides highlighted the importance of political, economic
cooperation and stressed the need for enhancing bilateral relations.

It was said during the meeting that Azerbaijan attaches the great
importance the UAE’s experience towards oil policy and free economic
zones.

Then, the meeting focused on other issues of mutual interest.

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During the meeting with Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian
Federation Andrey Denisov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan
Elmar Mammadyarov updated his Russian counterpart on the work
Azerbaijani side has done to continue talks aimed at resolving
Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Then, the sides discussed the possibilities for developing cooperation
between the two counties, ensuring stability and security in the South
Caucasus and Caspian region as well as Russian Year in Azerbaijan
and other issues of mutual interest.

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In his meeting with Indonesian Foreign Minister Hasan Wirajuda,
Elmar Mammadyarov stressed that political relations between the two
countries reached the high level.

Hasan Wirajuda expressed his gratitude to the Azerbaijani government
for providing technical and financial support to Indonesia quake
victims.

He expressed hope that the Indonesian Embassy will soon be opened
in Baku.

The sides also discussed prospects of bilateral cooperation within
the Organization of Islamic Conference.

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Discussions between Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov
and Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Cooperation
in Europe Marc Perrin de Brichambaut focused on activity of Co-Chairs
of the OSCE Minsk Group, and peaceful solution to Armenia-Azerbaijan
conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.

Elmar Mammadyarov said Armenia’s withdrawal from the occupied
Azerbaijani territories and return of refugees and internally displaced
persons back to their homeland is the major principle of the peaceful
solution to the dispute.

Azeri Minister said Armenia’s non-constructive stance on the conflict
hinders its solution.

Marc Perrin de Brichambaut stressed the importance of returning
refugees and internally displaced persons to their homeland, describing
it as their legal right.

Mr. Mammadyarov also expressed concern over the fact that Armenians
set on fire the area along the frontline and stressed the need for
this issue to be investigated at the level of special representative
of the OSCE chairman-in-office.

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The meeting between Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov and Deputy
Foreign Minister of Libya Mohammad Al Barani revolved around
the improvement of bilateral ties between the two countries,
and enhancement of cooperation within the Organization of Islamic
Conference. Minister responded to Al Barani’s questions concerning
socio-political and economic processes in Azerbaijan

The sides stressed the importance of intensifying the bilateral
political and economic relations.

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Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov also met with Philippines’ Foreign
Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo.

Mr. Ramulo expressed his gratitude to the Azerbaijani government
for creating conditions for Philippines to participate in the 33rd
Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

Alberto Romulo said there are a lot of businessmen in his country, who
want to establish trade relations with their Azerbaijani counterparts.

Minister Elmar Mammadyarov noted Azerbaijan is keen to develop
ties between the two countries, and stressed the importance of
further intensifying the bilateral cooperation within international
organizations.

Philippines’ Foreign Affairs Secretary invited Elmar Mammadyarov to
visit his country.