Baku, London mull prospects of deepening ties
By Sara Rajabova
Baku and London have discussed the bilateral relations between the two countries, as Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has received Minister of State for Europe of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland David Lidington.
During the meeting, the sides said that bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom were at a high level in a variety of fields.
Emphasizing that energy is a priority of the economic cooperation, the parties noted that British BP was Azerbaijan`s main partner in this sector.
The sides also exchanged views on prospects of significant infrastructure projects.
Lidington noted with pleasure that he eye-witnessed big development processes in Baku.
During the conversation, the parties also discussed the ways of settling the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and a number of issues of mutual interest.
The UK recognized Azerbaijan's independence in December, 1991. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in March, 1992.
Azerbaijan and the UK have benefitted from close bilateral partnership and cooperation since 1992, in the framework of international organizations such as the United Nations, OSCE, Council of Europe, and NATO. The relations have covered a wide range of issues, from high-level political dialogue to growing trade and investment, as well as strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties.
Economic cooperation between the two countries, especially in the energy sector, is at the core of the relations between Azerbaijan and the UK. The UK is the largest foreign direct investor in Azerbaijan, followed by the U.S. and Japan.
Azerbaijan cooperates with the UK in the exploration and transportation of oil and natural gas from the Azerbaijani part of the Caspian Sea.