Azerbaijan, Czech Republic mull economic ties
By Aynur Jafarova
The development of bilateral economic and trade relations between Azerbaijan and the Czech Republic was high on the agenda of talks held between Czech Foreign Minister Lubomír Zaorálek and Azerbaijani Ambassador to the country Farid Shafiyev.
During the meeting Zaorálek stressed the importance of resolving Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict by peaceful means.
The Czech foreign minister also expressed his country’s interest in participating in projects implemented in the construction and transport sectors of Azerbaijan.
The sides also discussed the regional security issues.
The Czech Republic recognized the independence Azerbaijan on January 8, 1992. Diplomatic relations between two countries were established in January 1993. Azerbaijan and the Czech Republic are interested in future development of mutual cooperation within UN, OSCE, NATO, EU and other international organizations.
Azerbaijan and the Czech Republic cooperate in trade and economic fields. In particular, as of 2013, the trade turnover between the two countries amounted to about $1.5 billion. Most of this account fall on Azerbaijan's exports, in particular, oil. Currently, the primary task is to develop cooperation between the two countries in non-oil sector. The agricultural sector is an area with good opportunities for cooperation.
The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and the Czech Republic amounted to $515.51 million in January-September 2014. As of the nine months, Azerbaijan imported goods worth $35.1 million, but exported goods worth $ 480.4 million.