Azerbaijan, UK mull development of non-energy sector
By Nigar Orujova
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov received the delegation headed by UK Minister of Energy Michael Fallon on July 11.
Fallon arrived in Azerbaijan on July 9 for a three-day visit to hold talks over new areas of cooperation with Azerbaijani leadership, ministers of energy, finance, telecommunications and high technologies, representatives of Azerbaijani State Oil Company (SOCAR) and other structures.
The ministry reported that the parties expressed satisfaction with the development of bilateral relations in various fields, and emphasized the value of the successful cooperation between the countries in the energy sector.
They also exchanged views on ways of developing cooperation in the non-energy sector. Regional energy projects and other issues of mutual interest were also discussed at the meeting.
Earlier, President Ilham Aliyev received a delegation led by minister Fallon.
Fallon noted that his country attached great importance to the development of bilateral relations with Azerbaijan in a variety of fields, particularly energy and non-energy sectors.
The head of state said there were good opportunities for a further expansion of cooperation between the two countries in various areas, in particular energy and non-energy sectors.
Noting that economy in the non-energy sector increased dynamically in the last six months, the president described this as a vivid evidence of diversification of the country's economy.
Touching upon 20 years of successful cooperation between Azerbaijan and BP, the head of state expressed hope that British companies would further be closely involved in the implementation of energy, infrastructure, construction and other joint projects.