Azernews.Az

By Nigar Orujova

Azerbaijan and Bosnia and Herzegovina signed three documents following talks between Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Bakir Izetbegovic in Baku last Thursday.

The two countries committed to cooperate on education, as well as inked the convention on lifting double taxation from profits and property and preventing tax evasion. The other agreement envisions waiving visas for diplomats and holders of service passports.

During the two presidents' meeting, the parties welcomed the development of political relations between Azerbaijan and Bosnia and Herzegovina, stressed cooperation opportunities in economic, humanitarian aid and other fields as well as voiced confidence in further development of bilateral relations.

After the signing ceremony, the Azerbaijani president and Bosnian leader made statements for the press.

President Aliyev highlighted the historical significance of the visit -- the first official visit to Azerbaijan by a Bosnian leader. Aliyev spoke of the extensive discussions held on issues of bilateral agenda, prospects for economic cooperation, the regional situation, and opportunities for energy cooperation.

"The Caspian and Balkan regions are getting closer to each other," Aliyev said. "We are implementing new infrastructure projects, pipeline and railway projects that will link our regions more closely. Azerbaijan is very interested in developing this regional cooperation."

The Bosnian leader, in turn, noted that Azerbaijan and Bosnia and Herzegovina have much in common.

"Our states and peoples faced the problem of genocide, aggression, assault aimed at splitting the country. Bosnia and Herzegovina will never support those trying to change the borders by force. You can rely on us in this matter," Izetbegovic said.

He also cited the need for development of relations.

"Bosnia and Herzegovina is interested in Azerbaijan," Izetbegovic said. "You have high-quality natural gas, which you offer at a reasonable price. We are a major consumer of gas, so we have to look for alternatives. At the same time, we are interested in your investment. Bosnia and Herzegovina is interested in developing agriculture and various industries. We have opportunities for tourism development."

The Bosnian president met with Azerbaijani Parliament Speaker Ogtay Asadov on the same day.

Asadov said the two countries gained independence at around the same time, which saw dramatic events occur both in Azerbaijan and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"That's why our countries and people understand each other very well in such situations," he said.

Asadov stressed the need for establishing an intergovernmental economic cooperation commission for development of trade relations between Azerbaijan and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

He said friendship groups operating in the two countries` legislative bodies should be strengthened to boost inter-parliamentary ties.

The Azerbaijani speaker recalled Armenian armed forces' crimes against Azerbaijan, noting that some countries' parliaments recognized the Khojaly genocide perpetrated by Armenian troops in 1992 during the brutal war between the two South Caucasus republics.

"Recognition of this genocide by Bosnia and Herzegovina's parliament would be important for Azerbaijan," Asadov said.

President Izetbegovic, in turn, said the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict must be settled on the basis of the principles of international law and Azerbaijan`s territorial integrity.

The Bosnian leader stressed the necessity of further developing the existing political and economic cooperation between the two countries.

Izetbegovic also said his country hopes for delivery of gas from Azerbaijan.

"I hope Azerbaijani gas will reach Bosnia and Herzegovina, because we need Azerbaijan`s gas and investment. Bosnia and Herzegovina has a favorable climate for Azerbaijan`s investments."

A joint business forum was held in Baku on Thursday as part of the Bosnia and Herzegovina delegation's official visit to Azerbaijan.

Izetbegovic told the forum that Bosnia and Herzegovina has significant potential for economic cooperation, and the country has created a favorable climate for investment in various sectors of industry.

"One of the most promising areas for investment is the electric power sector," Izetbegovic said. "In addition, we will soon be joining NATO and the European Union, so this is a good time to invest in Bosnia and Herzegovina."

Azerbaijani Minister of Economic Development Shahin Mustafayev in turn highlighted the visit of Bosnia and Herzegovina's president to Azerbaijan as a major step in the development of bilateral relations.

Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO) and the Chamber of Commerce of Bosnia and Herzegovina signed a memorandum of understanding during the forum.

Acting head of AZPROMO Rufat Mammadov said at the business forum that the economic relations between the two countries are rapidly developing in a variety of fields. "...Bakir Izetbegovic's official visit once again proves the positive trend of the development of these relations."

"The main purpose of today's event is intensive development of trade relations between the two countries, as well as closer cooperation in the economic sector," he said. "Moreover, issues and proposals concerning the development of investment relations will be discussed at the business forum."

About 70 businessmen working in construction, communication technologies, environmental protection and other sectors of Azerbaijan and Bosnia and Herzegovina joined the business forum.

During his official visit, the Bosnian president and his spouse Sebia Izetbegovic visited the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, established in memory of the Azerbaijani people's national leader Heydar Aliyev.

Bosnia and Herzegovina's First Lady visited Sehrli Ilmeler (Magic Stitches) gallery owned by Azerilma Ltd, a carpet weaving company. She was informed that Azerbaijan has been a country known for various handicrafts, particularly carpet-making, for ages. Azerbaijani carpets adorn many museums and private collections around the world.

Sebia Izetbegovic visited the International Mugham Center where she listened to young Mugham (national folk music) performers. The First Lady also visited the National History Museum of Azerbaijan.

President Izetbegovic and his spouse toured the Icharishahar (Old City), historic core of Azerbaijan's capital Baku, and were informed about the historic value of the site, which has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

They also visited the 15th-century Palace of Shirvanshahs and the 12th-century Maiden Tower, which are considered the country`s landmark monuments, the Sirataghli complex and the Art Garden.

As part of their visit to Azerbaijan, the Bosnian leader and First Lady visited a number of facilities in the northern Gabala city. A new building of Gabala mosque, the Juma mosque, as well as Gabala Canned Food Factory, Lemonade Factory, the refrigerator-storehouse complex, the Beltmann Piano Factory, Qafqaz Resort and Qafqaz Sport hotels were visited.

The Bosnian president wrapped up his official visit on Saturday.