Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
May 30 2008
Azerbaijan’s President meets with Chairman of Finnish Parliament
[ 30 May 2008 11:19 ]
Baku. Elbrus Seyfullayev-APA. Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, who
is on an official visit to Finland, visited the country’s Parliament
on May 29.
APA reports quoting AzerTAC state agency that the head of state met
with the members of the Parliament and signed Book for Honorable
Guests. The meeting focused on interparliamentary relations, prospects
of cooperation within the framework of regional, international
organizations, as well as the cooperation between the two countries,
relations in various spheres and other issues.
Chairman of Finnish Parliament – Eduskunta Sauli Niinisto highly
appreciated the work done in Azerbaijan over the past ten years and
development of oil-gas industry. Sauli Niinisto underlined that a
great deal investments had been made in the reliable and stable
economy of Azerbaijan. He also noted that they attached great
importance to the cooperation with Azerbaijan.
President Ilham Aliyev said Azerbaijan attached great importance to
the development of the relations between the two countries and had
bilateral; and effective cooperation with the European Union. The head
of state said Azerbaijan had perfect bilateral cooperation and
political relations with Finland and new opportunities had been
created for economic relations.
Following the meeting, Ilham Aliyev acquainted with the building of
the parliament.
President Aliyev met with the members of Paasikivi Society in Helsinki
on May 29. Chairman of the society, Professor Mikko Viitasalo said the
society founded in 1958 had discussions on Finland’s foreign policy
and organized citizen’s forum. Mikko Viitasalo noted that they
observed the situation in the Caucasus, were aware of dynamic
development and international projects in Azerbaijan.
President Ilham Aliyev mentioned that Azerbaijan, which declared its
independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union, had hard times
and spoke about the maintenance of independence in the following years
and the work done for the formation of market economy. The president
said that involvement of large international companies to invest in
Azerbaijan’s oil sector paved the way for the investments in other
fields. Ilham Aliyev said full transparency had been achieved in
collecting and spending oil incomes, and underlined that State Oil
Fund of Azerbaijan Republic had been awarded by the UN for
transparency.
Speaking about Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabakh conflict, Ilham
Aliyev answered the questions of the participants.
At the end of the meeting Azerbaijani President was awarded special
medal of Paasikivi Society for honorable guests.
An official reception was given in honor of Azerbaijani President on
behalf of the President of Finland yesterday.
Azerbaijani President’s visit to Finland continues.