Azernews.Az

By Nazrin Gadimova

Azerbaijan and Italy have explored ways of developing cooperation as Azerbaijan`s Justice Minister Fikrat Mammadov met Italian Ambassador to the country Giampaolo Cutillo on February 7.

The minister stressed the importance of the reciprocal visits of the two countries` presidents in terms of development of the bilateral relations, AzerTag state news agency reported.

Mammadov noted that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries` justice ministries in 2005 gave impetus to expand the legal ties.

He also briefed the Italian ambassador on the ongoing judicial reforms in Azerbaijan, which was carried out under President Ilham Aliyev.

The Italian envoy, in turn, said Azerbaijan was an important country to Italy.

He noted the Azerbaijan-Italy cooperation continues successfully, and lauded dynamic development of Azerbaijan.

Cutillo expressed confidence that cooperation between the two countries in the legal area would continue to develop, adding he would spare no efforts to contribute to this.

On the dame day, Giampaolo Cutillo met with President of the country`s National Confederation of Entrepreneurs` (Employers) Organizations (AEC) Mammad Musayev.

Musayev briefed the Italian diplomat on the activity of the Confederation.

The sides praised relations between the two countries in the fields of economy and culture. They also discussed prospects for business ties between the two countries in the trade and economic areas.

Musayev stressed the importance of expanding cooperation between Azerbaijani and Italian businessmen.

Cutillo, in turn, said he would spare no efforts to contribute to strengthening relations between the two countries` businessmen.

Italy remains the largest importer of Azerbaijani goods. Almost a quarter of Azerbaijan's export went to Italy in January-July 2013, compared to 22 percent in the same period in 2012. Currently, 45 Italian companies operate in Azerbaijan in insurance, banking, trade, and other areas.