Azernews.Az

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov and his Slovak counterpart Jan Kubis pledged to boost relations in a variety of fields after discussions in Baku on Monday.
The sides expressed disappointment with the fact that the potential for expanding bilateral ties is not being used in full.
"Unfortunately, the relations between our countries are not on the desired level. During the meeting, we discussed the steps pivotal for taking them to a high level," Mammadyarov told a joint news conference after talks.
He emphasized that Azerbaijan and Slovakia have signed only four cooperation agreements so far.
During the discussions, the parties pointed out the importance of deepening collaboration in the fields of transport, energy, humanitarian activities, investments and law, the minister said.
Kubis said mutual political visits and consultations were not being carried out consistently. "We have to do everything in our power for our high-ranking representatives, including parliament members, to meet on a regular basis."
He pointed to the potential for closer cooperation in socio-economic, energy, construction and other fields, stressing the importance of broadening legal framework for the purpose.
The Slovak official expressed his position on the Armenia-Azerbaijan Upper (Nagorno) Garabagh in brief.
Kubis said he had received comprehensive information on the dispute from his Azerbaijani counterpart. He emphasized that Azerbaijan's territorial integrity should be taken into account in addressing the problem.
"We support the principle of protecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of states, the Garabagh conflict included," he said.
Kubis, who chairs the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers, said the ministerial meeting also centered on the pre-election climate and situation with the media in the country.
"Azerbaijan will have a chance to display its adherence to democratic values during the presidential elections.
"The CE has submitted its recommendations on future democratic development to Azerbaijan. Minister Mammadyarov said his country intended to show how much it has advanced toward democracy," Kubis said.
He said that to ensure a fair vote, relevant legislative framework and conditions for the activity of local media should be improved, and the recommendations of international organizations taken into consideration.
"We hope Azerbaijani authorities will do everything they can to hold a democratic and transparent election," the CE official added.