South Korea, Azerbaijan discuss parliamentary ties
Azerbaijan`s Parliament Speaker Ogtay Asadov has met a delegation of the National Assembly of South Korea led by its Vice-Speaker Park Byeong-seug.
Asadov underlined that Baku places much emphasis on development of ties with Korea. He noted that such visits are of huge importance for discussing outstanding tasks.
It was noted during the meeting that Azerbaijan considers Korea as the friendly country.
"Discussions conducted during reciprocal visits of the Heads of States of both countries and documents signed opened up new avenues for furthering our relationship. The two nations have to date signed 46 documents and 12 documents are under consideration," he said.
The parliaments of both countries play a vital role in the development of ties between the two nations. The activity of the friendship groups in both countries` legislative bodies serves the cause.
Asadov recalled his meetings during the visit to Korea in 2007, saying they positively affected development of ties between both countries` parliaments. The speaker pointed out that the well-developed political ties affect the economic and humanitarian fields. He added that the trade turnover between the two countries made up $650 million in 2011.
Asadov expressed hope that leading Korean companies specialized in high technologies, engineering, heavy industries would open their regional branches in Baku.
On the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh dispute, Asadov said that the problem stands in the way of the regional progress, adding the principled and objective stance of the international community is important element that could force Armenia to give up its aggressive policy.
Vice-Speaker of the National Assembly Park Byeong-seug said he saw rapid development of Azerbaijan during his visit.
He noted Korea passed the same path. The country, which used to ask for assistance some time ago, has grown into the donor nation. Korea fruitfully cooperates with the governmental agencies of Azerbaijan through the International Cooperation Agency. He expressed hope that the interparliamentary cooperation would lay groundwork for intensive development of ties in all fields.