Azernews.Az

By Aynur Jafarova

Azerbaijan's capital Baku hosted the event dedicated to the 20th anniversary of establishment of Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan friendship society named after Heydar Aliyev.

The event which was held on November 17 was attended by representatives of Azerbaijani ministries and governmental bodies, representatives of the Kazakh Embassy and other diplomatic missions in Baku, science, art and education figures.

Addressing the event president of the society, Professor Eldar Gunaydin said that Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are fraternal countries and partners.

Kazakh Consul to Baku Maksad Nurmagambekov said that the Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan friendship society has made a significant contribution to strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

"We will further develop the relations in the fields of culture, economy and other areas," the Consul said.

Azerbaijani Consul to Kazakhstan's Aktau city Rashad Mammadov also mentioned the success of the society in the development of mutually beneficial relations between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan and thanked the society for work conducted.

During the event several persons were awarded jubilee medals and honorary certificates for contribution to peace and strengthening friendship between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. Among them was Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov.

Furthermore, the guests viewed an exhibition of artists Alekper Mammadov (wood carving), Sabir Chopuroghlu (paintings drawn with oil) and Tarana Mammadova as well as enjoyed performances of Azerbaijani vocalists and dancing groups.

Azerbaijanis and Kazakhs are both Turkic-speaking people and share close historical, religious and cultural ties. Both are littoral states of the Caspian Sea and possess a common maritime border. About 130,000 ethnic Azerbaijanis live in Kazakhstan.

Both countries are members of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Turkic Council, Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan amounted to $393.425 million in 2012.

A solid legal basis has established between the two countries. Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have signed more than 90 documents, including 20 documents in the economic field, in particular on the investment protection, avoiding double taxation, etc. These documents positively affect the development of trade relations between the two countries.