Azernews.Az

By Laman Ismayilova

Baku hosted a reception marking the 25th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and China.

The event brought together MPs, representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Azerbaijan. Firstly, participants viewed photo exhibition reflecting relations between the two countries, Azertac reported.

Ambassador of China to Azerbaijan Wei Jinghua, addressing the event, highlighted deep roots of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The diplomat stressed the role of national leader Heydar Aliyev in development of friendly relations between Azerbaijan and China.

He also spoke about the importance of state visit of President Ilham Aliyev to China.

Minister of Transport, Communication and high Technologies Ramin Guluzade extended congratulations on behalf of Azerbaijan`s Government. The Minister said relations between the two countries successfully developed across the last period on the base of principles of friendship and mutual fruitful partnership.

Guluzade also highlighted steadily developing relations between Azerbaijan and China.

“Azerbaijan is situated in the center of the Great Silk Road. The country is an important participant of the international transport, logistics projects. Close cooperation also covered humanitarian, cultural, scientific-educational fields. Holding the days of culture in Azerbaijan and China, exchange of students programs describe level of our cooperation,” he added.

The Minister also highlighted the role of reciprocal visits and documents signed in steadily development of ties between the two countries. He said there is great potential for further boosting ties.

“We particularly appreciate China`s support to Azerbaijan`s just position in solving the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict,” he concluded.

The event featured a concert program.

Azerbaijan and China are enjoying good relations in different fields. The two countries opened a new page in their relations after President Ilham Aliyev visited China in December 2015. During the visit, several meetings, negotiations were held and 10 documents were signed. Cooperation issues almost in all spheres were discussed.

China is a huge opportunity and a priority market for Azerbaijan. More than 50 agreements were signed between the two countries so far. Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO) has recently opened a representative office in China to support and encourage relations between the two countries’ businessmen, as well as expand Azerbaijani goods export to the Chinese market and attract China's leading investment funds to the Azerbaijan economy.

The trade turnover with China reached $565.1 million last year, while its unit weight in the total trade turnover of Azerbaijan amounted to 2.74 percent, according to the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee.

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

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