Serbia always supports Azerbaijan's territorial integrity: ex-president
By Sara Rajabova
Azerbaijani Defense Minister received Serbia's ex-president who attended the 2nd Global Shared Societies Forum in Baku on April 29.
During the meeting, Colonel-General Zakir Hasanov and Boris Tadic discussed the bilateral military cooperation, military and political situation in the region, as well as the issues related to the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said.
Tadic underscored the importance of the strategic partnership, friendly and good relations between the two countries, adding that Serbia will always support Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Azerbaijan and Serbia signed an agreement on cooperation in the sphere of defense during the visit of Azerbaijani Defense Minister to Serbia.
Former Serbian President also met Azerbaijani economy and industry minister Shahin Mustafayev on April 29.
During the meeting, Tadic has praised his country`s political relations with Azerbaijan.
He said there was great potential for enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries.
Hailing socio-economic development in Azerbaijan, Tadic also highlighted investment opportunities in Serbia, particularly in the fields of economy, tourism, property, banking and energy.
Mustafayev, in turn, praised Azerbaijan-Serbia relations, saying they were developing in political, economic and humanitarian areas.
He lauded the role of Tadic in expanding the two countries` relations.
Mustafayev said Azerbaijan was the initiator and active participant of a number of projects of international importance, saying the country was playing a crucial role in ensuring Europe`s energy security.
The diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in August, 1997. Azerbaijan-Serbia inter-parliamentary group was created in 2011. The trade turnover between Serbia and Azerbaijan amounted to over $22.3 million. Two countries are interested in co-operation in energy and education areas.
Serbia was among the countries that had voted in favor of Azerbaijan in United Nations General Assembly Resolution 62/243 about the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, occupied by Armenia.