Azernews.Az

By Laman Ismayilova

Azerbaijan and Moldova have conducted the next round of political consultations in Baku on March 1, Azertac reported.

Azerbaijan`s delegation was led by Deputy Foreign Minister Khalaf Khalafov, while Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Lilian Darii led Moldova`s delegation.

Khalafov highlighted successful cooperation between Azerbaijan and Moldova within the CIS, GUAM and other international organizations. He expressed confidence that political consultations would contribute to the overall development of bilateral cooperation.

The sides reaffirmed their countries` full support of each other` territorial integrity, sovereignty and inviolability of borders.

Khalafov provided an insight into transport and energy projects initiated by and involving Azerbaijan, including the North-South and West-East transportation corridors. He expressed confidence that cargo transportation via these corridors and, especially, via the Black Sea could contribute to the development of economic cooperation between the two countries.

Darii, for his part, expressed Moldova`s interest in using Azerbaijan`s transit opportunities.

Diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Moldova were established on May 29,1992. Azerbaijan opened its Embassy in Chisinau on October 5, 2005 and Moldova opened its Embassy in Baku, Azerbaijan on November 1, 2005.

Azerbaijan’s the trade turnover with Moldova amounted to $3.75 million in January-November 2016, some 3.25 million of which fell for imports from that country, according to the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee.

The number of exported products will increase between the two countries, as this year Azerbaijan will export horseflesh to Moldova.

Both countries are members of a free trade area that were signed into law in 1994 with the participation of the CIS countries. Within the free trade agreement, member countries are expected to eliminate export and import duties on a number of goods.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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