Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

Saudi Arabia is set to host the first forum on economy and cooperation between Saudi Arabia, Central Asia countries and Azerbaijan on May 13.

It was said by Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Musaid bin Ibrahim bin Abdullah Al-Salim on May 12.

Azerbaijan will be represented with a delegation of the officials of the ministries of foreign affairs and economy and industry, headed by the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov, Al-Salim said.

"The forum to be held in Riyadh will further strengthen ties between Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia," he said.

Al-Salim said as part of preparatory works for this forum, a joint meeting was held attended by the businessmen from Arabian countries, Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan on April 28-29.

"The attendees discussed the current situation of the economic and trade relation among the countries and future development prospects of the cooperation between them. They also explored ways to expand cooperation opportunities in the spheres of infrastructure, agriculture, tourism and education. Meanwhile, arrangements have been made for signing of agreements between the countries in the fields of trade, investment, finance, industry and transport," Al-Salim said.

He also noted that the involved countries are planning to hold the form on a regular basis, adding that the next forum can take place in Tajikistan.

Al-Salim noted that a number of issues, including the opening of direct flights will be discussed at the forum.

He also added that Saudi Arabia is interested in developing relations with Azerbaijan in the field of tourism.

Azerbaijan established diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia, which was one of the first countries to recognize the independence of Azerbaijan, on February 24, 1992. In April 1994, the Azerbaijani Embassy opened in Riyadh, followed by the opening of the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Baku in June of 1999.

Saudi Arabia is one of the first countries to provide active humanitarian assistance to Azerbaijan. From 1994-1999, Saudi Arabia, starting a program under King Fahd, repeatedly provided humanitarian assistance to refugees and IDPs and provided them with food, medicine and other necessities. Several disabled persons of the Karabakh war in 1999 were treated in Saudi Arabia.