ITAZERCOM hosts conference on Azerbaijan in Rome
By Nigar Orujova
A conference entitled "Azerbaijan on the focus: TAP pipeline - First European Games 2015" has been held in Rome to mark the second anniversary of Italy-Azerbaijan Trade Institute (ITAZERCOM) establishment.
The event was co-organized by Italy-Azerbaijan Trade Institute and the country's embassy in Rome.
Addressing the conference, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Italy Vagif Sadigov praised the activity of ITAZERCOM, adding the institute played an important role in expanding Azerbaijan-Italy ties.
Sadigov recalled President Ilham Aliyev's official visit to Italy on July 13-15, and said the head of state held a number of meetings with the Italian officials, as well as important documents were signed between the two countries.
He stressed the importance of the Joint Declaration on strategic partnership signed between Azerbaijan and Italy, adding, that Italy is an important trade partner of Azerbaijan.
Sadigov noted the interest of Italian companies is in operating in Azerbaijan's non-oil sector.
He also touched on the biggest issue of Azerbaijan - the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. He noted 20 percent of Azerbaijani lands has been occupied and more than one million Azerbaijanis became refugees and IDPs as a result of the Armenian military aggression.
ITAZERCOM President Manuela Traldi also made a speech at the conference and spoke of the activities of the organization.
Traldi said ITAZERCOM Baku office was expected to be opened. She also highlighted the importance of this office in terms of expanding ITAZERCOM's activity.
The event also featured the presentation of a book by Italian Professor Francesco Kossuth.
The conference continued with displaying of a video on "Baku European Games-2015".
Baku Games is a major sport event for the country. The Europe's first multi-sport event will gather more than 6,000 athletes from 49 countries affiliated to the European Olympic Committees to compete in 19 sports in Azerbaijan's capital on June 12-28.
Following, certificates were presented to the members of the ITAZERCOM.
Italy and Azerbaijan enjoy strong friendly relations. Italy recognized Azerbaijan's independence in January 1991 and the diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in May 1992.
Being one of Azerbaijan's major partners in Europe Italy is Azerbaijan's number one trade partner for last seven years. It is the largest importer of Azerbaijani goods. Almost a quarter of Azerbaijan's export went to Italy in January-July 2013, compared to 22 percent in the same period in 2012. Currently, 45 Italian companies are operating in Azerbaijan in insurance, banking, trade, and other areas.
Italy and Azerbaijan successfully cooperate in the energy field as well. The selection of the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) by the Shah Deniz consortium is the basis of the bilateral cooperation in the energy sector.