Azernews.Az

By Nazrin Gadimova

Azerbaijani-Spanish bilateral relations are at a good level, Spanish Foreign Minister José García-Margallo y Marfil said on the eve of an official visit to Azerbaijan.

García-Margallo also said there are good opportunities for the development of economic, trade, and cultural relations between the two countries.

The Spanish foreign minister said economic relations between the two countries do not meet their potential, so the market potential of the two countries will be explored in the framework of his visit with an eye to developing bilateral relations in trade and investment.

"Spain's main priorities is improving bilateral relations by using trade opportunities," he said.

García-Margallo noted that several Spanish companies are leaders in industries such as infrastructure and renewable energy, adding that Spain is a world leader in the renewable energy sector and therefore the Spanish government believes that the energy potential of both countries will be improved in the future.

"At the same time, Azerbaijan has interesting opportunities for Spanish investments," he emphasized.

Speaking about Azerbaijan's investments, the foreign minister said Azerbaijan has turned into a regional force, which can contribute to the development of not only the region, but also Europe and Asia; therefore, Spain intends to form broad bilateral relations and increase investment in both directions.

García-Margallo said relations between Spain and Azerbaijan are at a good level and Spain considers Azerbaijan as a leading regional country, adding that as a first step to opening an embassy in Azerbaijan, Spain's diplomatic mission under the EU representative office will open in Baku.

"The embassy will open as soon as our budget will allow it. Undoubtedly, we aim to open the embassy in Azerbaijan in the shortest possible time," the head of the Spanish Foreign Ministry said.

Adding that Azerbaijan has wide opportunities in ensuring EU energy security because of its energy resources and geographical location, he said this issue is one of the most important ones on the agenda of discussions between the EU and Azerbaijan.

"There are three mandatory aspects in the issue of security: raw materials, energy, and transportation. And Azerbaijan can play an important role in all of them, and cooperation on these aspects will be mutually beneficial," García-Margallo said.

Touching upon the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the minister noted that Spain is interested in stability and development in the South Caucasus.

"Spain strongly supports the work of the OSCE Minsk Group and believes that resolving the conflict through negotiations within the framework of international law and the commitment of all sides to its norms can lead to peace and stability," he concluded.

Spain recognized Azerbaijan's independence in December 1991, and diplomatic relations were established in February 1992.

Trade turnover between the two countries amounted to about $158.4 million in 2012.

Earlier, Azerbaijan's embassy in Spain initiated the establishment of a joint chamber of commerce which aims to increase trade turnover between the two countries, attract Spanish companies to Azerbaijan, take Azerbaijani goods to the Spanish market, organize mutual business forums, trade, and investment missions, and organize other events to promote bilateral cooperation.