Azerbaijan interested in establishing ties with Sudan in all fields
By Sara Rajabova
The expansion of bilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and Sudan was discussed during a meeting of Ogtay Asadov, the speaker of Azerbaijani parliament and Ali Ahmed Karti, the Sudanese foreign minister.
Asadov said Azerbaijan and Sudan were friendly countries, noting that Sudan was one of the first countries that recognized Azerbaijan`s independence.
He said the history of the two countries` diplomatic relations span more than 20 years.
Asadov went on to say that Azerbaijan is interested in establishing relations with Sudan on all fronts, particularly in political, economic, humanitarian and cultural fields.
He further emphasized the potential to develop economic ties. Asadov also highlighted the two countries` cooperation within international organizations.
The official also thanked Sudan for supporting Azerbaijan`s position on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which emerged in 1988 over Armenia’s territorial claims against Azerbaijan. He hailed the adoption by the foreign affairs committee of Sudan`s National Assembly of a document recognizing the Khojaly massacre as genocide.
Karti, for his part, said his visit and meetings he had during the trip gave a push to the development of ties between the two countries. He said Sudan will always support Azerbaijan`s just position on the Nagorno-Karabakh problem.
They also exchanged views on ways of improving inter-parliamentary ties.
Eelier, President Ilham Aliyev and Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov met with Sudanese foreign minister.
Diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Sudan were established in February 16, 1993.
As a member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Sudan opened its embassy in Azerbaijan in 1993. However, Sudan had to suspend the activity of its diplomatic mission in Baku in 1999 due to financial difficulties.
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Sara Rajabova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on
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