Azerbaijani-Ukrainian trade ties to strengthen, expert says
By Rashid Shirinov
Even if relations between Ukraine and Europe do not promise bonuses in the near future, the country could receive economic support from Azerbaijan, said Ukrainian expert Volodymyr Tsybulko commenting on the current Ukrainian-Azerbaijani relations.
The visit of Azerbaijani Prime Minister Artur Rasizade to Ukraine on July 14 can be regarded as a very favorable sign for the development of foreign export policies, believes the expert.
Following the recent meetings, Tsybulko expects the recovery of the GUAM project and its free trade area, where the two countries cooperate. “That is very positive for Ukraine,” the expert told reporters on July 18, Trend reports.
GUAM project was established in 2001 to enhance the cooperation between Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Moldova.
Lately, Russia prohibited transportation of Ukrainian goods through its territory. Therefore, Ukraine needs another corridor to Asia bypassing Russia – Azerbaijan is a great option for realizing that purpose.
Moreover, Azerbaijan can assist Ukraine in reaching its economic aims by using the opportunities of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway and the North-South transport corridor.
“Azerbaijan is a highly powerful country that will help us in diversification, particularly in the delivery of goods to Asia. That is very important to us,” the Ukrainian expert noted.
The trade turnover with Ukraine in January-May 2016 amounted to $137.68 million, according to the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan.
Recently, Baku welcomed Ukrainian delegation headed by President Petro Poroshenko.
The two countries discussed the prospects of bilateral relations in political, economic, energy, transport and humanitarian fields.
The same day, the future directions for developing the mutual relations were set at the fifth meeting of the Council of Azerbaijani and Ukrainian Presidents, where a series of documents were signed for enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov
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