New directions in development of Azerbaijan-Austria ties may emerge
By Abdul Kerimkhanov
New directions for the development of relations between Azerbaijan and Austria may appear, the Ambassador of Austria to Azerbaijan, Axel Wech, who is completing his diplomatic mission in the country, said at an event dedicated to the National Day of Austria on October 24.
“We have witnessed a growing exchange between the two countries in the cultural, political and economic spheres. Even in 2016-2017, when economic difficulties were observed, the majority of Austrian companies remained in the country and continued their activities. This shows that our activity in Azerbaijan is stable and based on the long-term plan. From a political point of view, the chairmanship of Austria in the OSCE in 2017 was important,” the envoy said.
He went on to add that new directions for the development of relations between Azerbaijan and Austria could appear.
“The new Austrian ambassador to Azerbaijan, Alexander Bayerl, will work in this direction to further develop relations,” the envoy noted.
Addressing the event, Vice-Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament Bahar Muradova said that Austria was one of the first countries to recognize the independence of Azerbaijan, adding that bilateral relations are developing successfully in political, economic, humanitarian and other spheres.
More than 60 Austrian companies operate in Azerbaijan, and this indicates the expansion of economic cooperation, she added.
Muradova went on to say that last year the country celebrated the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
Muradova expressed confidence that the friendly relations between the two countries will raise bilateral ties in the future to a higher level.
She also noted the significant role of embassies and high-level reciprocal visits in deepening mutual ties.
Officials, MPs, diplomats and representatives of the public took part in the event.
Diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Austria were established in February 1992.
Austrians President Heinz Fischer met with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in Baku in 2011. It was the first state visit by an Austrian President to Azerbaijan.
Austria was honored to welcome President Ilham Aliyev in Vienna on May 13, 2013.
The highest level of trade turnover between the two countries was registered in 2015, when it amounted to 525 million euros. The turnover mainly comprises oil products as well as agricultural, machine-building, and petrochemical products.
The State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan reported that in January-April 2018, the trade turnover between the countries amounted to $192.7 million. More than $170 million of this amount accounted for the export of Azerbaijani products to Austria. It is noteworthy that Azerbaijan’s exports to Austria grew by almost 25 percent in a year.
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