Perviz Shahbazov: Ilham Aliyev’s meeting with Angela Merkel is of great importance

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Jan 23 2007

[ 23 Jan. 2007 14:27 ]

Azerbaijani Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador to Germany
interviewed by the APA

– How do you appreciate the activity of the Azerbaijani embassy in
Germany in 2006? What can you say about the plans of the embassy?

– 2006 was very successful from the point of view of expansion of
relations in political, economic, cultural and other spheres between
Germany and Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani President visited Germany in
September last year and participated in International Bertelsmann
Forum. Besides, we can mention Foreign Minister’s visit to Germany,
political and security consultations of the Deputy Foreign Ministers
from the point of view of development of bilateral political
dialogue. A number of events were realized last year for the
development of economic relations. Among them we can mention
Azerbaijani Economic Development Minister’s visit to Germany, the
visit of the delegation composed of German businessmen to Azerbaijan,
Azerbaijan’s participation in the International Tourism Exhibition
held in Berlin and international exhibition on new technologies held
in Hanover etc. The embassy carried on propaganda for establishing
direct relations between Azerbaijani and German companies to
strengthen German investments in Azerbaijan. As to the cultural
cooperation, I would like to note that Azerbaijani Culture Ten-day
was held in Berlin, Mainz, Stuttgart and Frankfurt am Main in October
last year. Azerbaijani art figures gave concert, exhibition of young
Azerbaijani artists was held, Azerbaijani books for the first time
were demonstrated in famous Frankfurt Book Fair. As a result of
negotiations 2008 is declared "Azerbaijani Culture Year" in Germany
and various events are planned to be held.

– What is the level of the relations between Azerbaijan and Germany,
and are you satisfied with it?

– The relations between the two countries are improving dynamically.

There is exists active political dialogue between the countries,
economic and cultural relations are developing. There is a great
potential for further development of our relations. Azerbaijan pays
great attention to the broadening of relations with Germany, one of
the leading states of the European Union and world. Therefore the
embassy pays special attention to the recognition of Azerbaijan in
Germany, informing the society of the Azerbaijan’s truths.

– What meetings will be held and what documents are planned to be
signed within President Ilham Aliyev’s visit to Germany in February?

According to the information the president will be accompanied by the
delegation representing economic organizations. Is business forum
expected within the visit?

– As is known, President Ilham Aliyev will visit Germany in February
this year. Some official meetings are expected in the frame of his
visit. The meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel has great
importance for us. As we know, Germany will chair EU during the first
term of 2007 and G8 within the year. Germany has declared that it
will try to activate New Neighbourhood Policy. That is why it is very
important for Azerbaijan to cooperate with Germany, because
Azerbaijan has aims at integrating to the structures that newly
joined to New Neighbourhood Policy and close cooperation with
Euro-Atlantic structures. Azerbaijan-Germany business forum is
expected to be held in the frame of the visit. Generally, German
businessmen are mostly interested in non-oil sector of Azerbaijan. It
includes infrastructure, tourism, engineering industry, product
industry and some others.

– What do Azerbaijanis mostly do in Germany?

– Most of Azeris living in Germany are engaged in construction,
product industry, tourism, public catering and so on.

– Does the embassy keep in touch with Azerbaijani Diaspora and what
problems do our people have? Do Azerbaijanis, that introduced
themselves as the representatives of other nations but did not
achieve their goals, appeal to our embassy and what about their
number?

– There is great Azerbaijani community in Germany. There are
Azerbaijanis that moved from Turkey and Iran a long time ago and also
Azerbaijani citizens. The embassy has close relations with
Azerbaijanis living in this country and in case that they face any
problem; we take necessary measures in this sphere. European
Azerbaijanis Congress which acts in Berlin cooperates with the
embassy. The embassy implements joint cultural projects with
Azerbaijani societies. Recently we held a big ceremony dedicated to
World Azerbaijanis solidarity day where over 350 Azerbaijanis and our
German friends took part in. Azerbaijani Diaspora organizations are
expected to participate in the Azerbaijani culture years to be
celebrated in Germany. Department working with the foreigners
sometimes appeal to our embassy, and ask to define the citizenship of
the people that are supposed to be Azerbaijani citizens. The embassy
sends the questionnaire to relevant bodies of Azerbaijani and informs
German side about the results. Sometimes Armenian-born people
introduce themselves as Azerbaijani for getting permanent asylum. The
embassy immediately informs the relevant bodies after getting needed
information about the person. /APA/