AZERBAIJANI PRESIDENT FINISHED HIS FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT TO SWITZERLAND

Azerbaijan Business Center
Oct 21 2009

Baku, Fineko/abc.az. Yesterday the Azerbaijani leader completed his
official visit to Switzerland and returned to his Motherland.

Within the trip he conducted meetings with officials of Switzerland
and participated in the opening of the Days of Culture of Azerbaijan
in this country.

Following the visit President Hans-Rudolf Mez of Switzerland stated
that both countries should strengthen and deepen further their
relationships.

"Development of our economies and economic links is of importance
for us. For example, we are co-operating in energy sector. Bilateral
negotiations in the area of migration continue. In other words, our
countries have no problems between each other, and friendship exist
between us," the Swiss President said.

In his turn, President Aliyev (it was his first visit to Switzerland),
said that the two countries were keeping on dialogue covering many
fields and this dialogue had had many good results.

"Future of our ties is very perspective. Over the last few years
our links have developed dynamically. Switzerland for us is a close
partner and friendly country. We discussed many significant issues
relating to bipartite relations, covered ways of their promotion, and
exchanged views about implementation of mutual investment projects in
our countries. Our trade turnover grows rapidly. Despite the global
financial crisis, our economic links develop successfully. Today we
have discussed important issues of regional development, settlement of
Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno Garabagh conflict, matters of our energy
co-operation. Our relations in the area have great potential. We have
common view on energy security of Europe. Azerbaijan, having vast
oil and gas reserves, is ready to supply soon its energy resources
to partners in Europe. Our states’ mutual interests in the issue can
foster formation of a new transportation route to be called Southern
Corridor," President Aliyev said.

He pointed out that the parties had political will, close political
contacts, mutually attractive economies and favourable investment
climate.