Azernews.Az

By Aynur Jafarova

Afghanistan is interested in expanding its cooperation with Azerbaijan in transport sector.

The remark was made by Director-General of Economic Cooperation Department of the Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry Wahidullah Waissi at a meeting with Azerbaijan's Deputy Transport Minister Musa Panahov.

During the meeting, the sides discussed the prospects of transport cooperation between the two countries.

Panahov highlighted the reforms carried out in Azerbaijan's transport system, and the country's role in regional projects.

The sides also exchanged views on the Black Sea Corridor initiated by Afghanistan, as well as development of international transport relations in a multilateral format.

Azerbaijan, the most moderate, progressive, and democratic state among Muslim countries, cooperates with Afghanistan in different spheres.

Currently, there are several Azerbaijani investors in Afghanistan, including Azinco Company which has invested $25 million in refining and plans to increase it to $55 million.

The Mazar-i-Sharif oil refinery, which opened in Afghanistan by Afghan and Azerbaijani investments, currently recycles 500 tons of crude oil per day and its capacity is planned to increase 1,500 tons per day.

Military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Afghanistan is built on friendly terms, and bilateral relations are constantly developing to both sides' benefit.

Azerbaijan is among the eight partner countries that have confirmed their presence in Afghanistan after 2014. Peacekeepers of the country will stay in Afghanistan after the withdrawal of U.S. troops from the country by the end of 2014. However, Azerbaijan will reduce its presence in Afghanistan after 2014.