Canada reiterates commitment to bolstering ties with Azerbaijan
By Vugar Khalilov
Canada is committed to bolstering ties with Azerbaijan, Azernews reports, citing Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly.
In a statement on the 30th anniversary of the Azerbaijani-Canadian diplomatic relations, the minister reiterated her country's commitment to further strengthening the bilateral ties.
“As we mark this important day, we reiterate our commitment to continue strengthening ties with Azerbaijan. We look forward to forging deeper links by building on this important friendship in the years to come,” the minister stressed.
According to her, the 30-year-long partnership with Azerbaijan has been based on close people-to-people ties, including a thriving Azerbaijani population that contributes significantly to Canada's diversity, wealth, and success.
Joly emphasized that the nations had created a solid working partnership on the world stage over the last three decades to advance common principles. Both countries are providing Ukraine with humanitarian aid and have collaborated in Afghanistan, demonstrating their joint commitment to assisting those in need.
“In fora such as the United Nations and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, we have collaborated in the promotion of women’s empowerment and environmental stewardship globally, as well as in strengthening the rules-based international order and democracy in the Caucasus region,” the minister underlined.
Meanwhile, Canadian MP Philip Lawrence also hailed the 30th anniversary of the establishment of Azerbaijani-Canadian diplomatic relations.
"On this day 30 years ago, Canada established diplomatic relations with Azerbaijan. It is an honor to be the chair of the Canada-Azerbaijan Parliamentary Friendship Group and to celebrate this growing relationship!" Lawrence wrote on his Twitter account.
On December 25, 1991, Canada recognized the independence of Azerbaijan and 11 other post-Soviet republics. On August 10, 1992, the two nations established diplomatic ties. The Canadian ambassador to Turkey is concurrently accredited to Azerbaijan, and Azerbaijan established an embassy in Ottawa in 2004.
The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Canada totaled $233 million in 2021. Azerbaijan exports crude oil and oil products to Canada and imports meat products, paper, optical and measuring instruments, machines, and equipment from this country.
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