Azernews.Az

Azerbaijani lawmakers have aired their grievances over the current level of economic relations with Turkey, the country's closest political ally.
Addressing a sitting of the parliamentary commission on economic policy on Thursday, MP Vahid Ahmadov maintained that Turkish businessmen are under pressure in Azerbaijan. Moreover, the trade turnover between the two neighboring countries is below desired level.
"Whereas the commodities turnover between Turkey and Georgia has reached $1.5 billion, the figure makes up only $800 million between Turkey and Azerbaijan. This shows that there are red tape obstacles for the work of Turkish entrepreneurs in the country," the MP said.
He regarded this as unacceptable, noting that Turkey was a strategic ally of Azerbaijan. Ankara backs Baku's interests in all international organizations and even sacrifices its own for the sake of Azerbaijan, Ahmadov said.
"This having been said, normal conditions should be provided for the operation of Turkish businessmen here," he added.
MP Ali Masimli agreed with his counterpart, suggesting that a program on long-term strategic cooperation between Turkey and Azerbaijan be drafted. "This program should cover all areas of bilateral relations. It should also outline steps to be taken on the political stage."
The lawmaker said there was also a need for establishing an Azeri-Turkish coordinating center to join effort in dealing with issues concerning the occupation of Azerbaijani territories by Armenia and Armenian genocide claims.