Azernews.Az

By Sara Israfilbayova

Azerbaijani delegation is on an official visit to Latvia to mull boosting of interregional cooperation.

The delegation including deputy of the Milli Majlis [Parliament] Javid Osmanov, Deputy Head of the executive power of the Agdash region Ali Kerimov, Executive Secretary of the National Association of Municipalities of Azerbaijan Tofig Hasanov, Chairman of the municipality of Agdash Galib Garayev met with the Chairman of the Rēzekne Duma, Monvids Schwartz and heads of departments of the state power in Rēzekne.

The parties discussed the development of bilateral interregional relations, which, according to Schwartz will serve for further extension of the Latvian-Azerbaijani relations.

Javid Osmanov, in turn, expressed hope for strengthening of cooperation between local and regional authorities of Azerbaijan and Latvia.

Following the meeting, the Agdash region of Azerbaijan and the Rēzekne city of Latvia signed an agreement on cooperation, stipulating concrete measures and steps for interaction in the sphere of education, entrepreneurship, culture, sports and personnel training.

Schwartz said that the signing of the agreement is the foundation of friendship and cooperation, which will enhance the exchange of experience between the districts and help in the implementation of successful entrepreneurial projects, the development of cultural and youth exchanges.

Republic of Latvia recognized the independence of Azerbaijan in 1992. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1994. The embassy of Azerbaijan, which is also the first Azerbaijani embassy in the Baltic countries, was opened in Latvia in 2005. The Latvian embassy in Azerbaijan has started its activities since 2006.

Latvia considers Azerbaijan an important partner in the field of transit and logistics in the South Caucasus region.

Priority areas of cooperation between the two countries include joint investment projects, effective use of international transportation corridors, education, agriculture, construction, tourism and health.

The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Latvia in the first quarter of 2017 amounted to more than $350,000, according to the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan.

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