Azernews.Az

By Aynur Karimova

Azerbaijan and Slovenia enjoy quite good relations, and there are no unsettled issues between them.

This remark was made by Milan Jazbec, Slovenian Ambassador to Azerbaijan (with residence in Ankara). He said constant active dynamics are observed in political relations between the two countries.

“The parties work on the visit of Slovenian President Borut Pahor and Foreign Minister Karl Erjavec to Azerbaijan,” he told Trend. “I hope these visits will take place soon.”

The diplomat stressed the importance of constant political dialogue between Slovenia and Azerbaijan. He noted the two countries have common views on international issues.

“Political dialogue is very important,” Jazbec said. “But one more purpose of political dialogue is to expand economic cooperation between the two countries. We try that every political visit would be of economic character as well. The latest figure of turnover [between Slovenia and Azerbaijan] is $15 million, but this is not enough. We try to increase this figure.”

He went on adding that the business delegation headed by Mitja Bervar, Chairman of the State Council of Slovenia will visit the capital within the framework of the Days of Culture of Slovenia in Baku scheduled for March 3-4. The upcoming meeting will be attended by several hundred businessmen from both sides.

The diplomat also mentioned the historical and cultural closeness of the peoples of Azerbaijan and Slovenia.

“Slovenia and Azerbaijan are small countries,” he said. “Of course, Azerbaijan is a very strong country in terms of energy issues. Over the past 100 years, our history and culture have become even more similar. This is very important and it is the basis for a good relationship.”

He said the two countries are negotiating to open a direct flight between the two countries, charter flights, the realization of which is planned to start in the summer, are also scheduled.

“The negotiations with Azerbaijan Airlines JSC continue, and in the summer we are going to open charter flights to Slovenia,” he said.

He also noted Slovenia plans to open an embassy in Baku in mid-2016.

Slovenia recognized Azerbaijan’s independence in December, 1991 and diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in February, 1996.

The trade turnover between the two countries amounted to $15 million in 2014.

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Aynur Karimova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Aynur_Karimova

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