Azernews.Az

By Sabina Idayatova

Georgian Interior Minister Irakli Garibashvili has paid an official visit to Azerbaijan at the invitation of his Azerbaijani counterpart, Colonel-General Ramil Usubov.

Usubov met with the delegation headed by Minister Garibashvili on May 21.

During the meeting the Azerbaijani minister expressed his confidence that the visit will give an impetus to further expansion and deepening of cooperation between the interior ministries of the two countries.

In the first years of independence the country faced tense socio-political situation; as a result of the Armenian military aggression a part of Azerbaijani territory was occupied; Azerbaijani citizens were expelled from their native lands; the crime rate increased, he said.

Usubov said that only after the historic return to power of the great leader Heydar Aliyev by the will of his people and as a result of the reforms carried out by the national leader in all spheres of public life, drastic measures were taken by law enforcement bodies and the interior bodies to combat crime; public order and safety were restored in Azerbaijan, and the situation with crime was taken under control.

Usubov further stressed the long history of friendship between Azerbaijan and Georgia, and the successful development of these relations in accordance with the political will and strategy determined by the leaders of the two countries. He noted that relations between the interior ministries, especially in the fight against transnational crime, exchange of experience and information, serve primarily to the interests of the two friendly and brotherly nations, as well as regional security.

It was noted that the documents signed between the two ministries in past years, in particular, the agreement inked in April 2002 between Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey on cooperation in the fight against terrorism, organized crime, etc. gave an impetus to the development of relations both at the bilateral and international organizations` level.

Speaking of the existing problems, Usubov pointed out that the fight against drug trafficking, international terrorism, human trafficking and illegal migration, which are the main types of transnational organized crime, is in focus, and effectively addressing these issues is only possible as a result of joint efforts.

Garibashvili in turn noted that his country attaches special importance to its strategic partnership with Azerbaijan.

Garibashvili spoke about the legal reforms in Georgia, expressing confidence that the relations with Azerbaijan -- a friendly country with a high level of security -- will be developed in all areas, including between the interior bodies.

On the same day, the Georgian delegation was received by Azerbaijani Minister of Emergency Situations Kamaladdin Heydarov.

Touching on the rapid development of friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Georgia, Heydarov cited the prospects of cooperation between relevant public bodies of the two countries and spoke in detail about the work carried out in the field of emergency management entities of the ministry.

The Georgian representatives stressed the importance of further expansion and development of cooperation between relevant agencies of Azerbaijan and Georgia.

During the meeting the parties also discussed a draft agreement on cooperation in the field of reduction, control and prevention of emergencies between the governments of Azerbaijan and Georgia.

The Georgian delegation was also received by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.