PRESIDENT ILHAM ALIYEV MEETS BRITISH PREMIER GORDON BROWN

AzerTag
July 13 2009
Azerbaijan

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev today has met here with British
Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

The British Premier congratulated Azerbaijani leader on economic
achievements his country has reached. Brown said Great Britain
and Azerbaijani have "successful cooperation" in various fields,
including energy".

Talking about international terror, British Premier praised
Azerbaijan`s "active participation" in antiterrorism coalition.

He also hailed Azerbaijan`s democratic reforms, saying
Azerbaijan-European Union relations are "successfully developing".

Brown stated his country will further support Azerbaijan in
international arena.

"We have great potential to further expand political and economic
relations", Brown said.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said bilateral relations are
"successfully developing" in various spheres, including political and
economic. Touching upon energy cooperation, the Head of State praised
Azerbaijan-bp cooperation. The President said the two countries have
great potential to further advance relations in other fields.

Ilham Aliyev raised awareness of the British Premier on achievements
Azerbaijan has gained in economic, energy and non-oil sectors.

President Aliyev said Azerbaijan is "rapidly" integrating into European
family, adding new stage for Azerbaijan-EU cooperation has opened.

Touching upon Armenia`s conflict with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh,
President Aliyev said ‘aggression of Armenia against Azerbaijan is
an obstacle to the regional progress.’

As to Azerbaijan`s participation in anti-terrorism coalition, Ilham
Aliyev pointed out his country is making a great contribution to
provide regional and international security.

The Azerbaijani leader also talked about his country`s role in securing
Europe`s energy security.

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After the meeting, president of Azerbaijan State Oil Company Rovnag
Abdullayev and Chief Executive of BP`s Exploration & Production Andy
Inglis signed a memorandum of mutual understanding.

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Meanwhile, wife of British Prime Minister Sarah Brown has met with
Azerbaijan`s First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva.

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British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his wife Sarah Brown have
seen off President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mehriban
Aliyeva from the residence.