Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

The British Embassy in Azerbaijan has organized a reception on the occasion of the birthday of Queen Elizabeth II.

The Azerbaijani and British officials, as well as the British athletes, who will take part at the inaugural European Games, participated at the event held on June 10.

Irfan Siddig, the British ambassador to Azerbaijan said the two countries enjoy high level cooperation in political, economic, energy, business and humanitarian fields, noting the importance of deepening of relations between Azerbaijan and Great Britain.

He also congratulated Azerbaijan on the upcoming European Games and stressed that this is a large-scale event that would enter the history of sports.

Deputy Foreign Minister Mahmud Mammadguliyev, in turn, conveyed his congratulations on behalf of the Azerbaijani government.

He noted that the Azerbaijani-British relations have deep roots taking its beginning from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, adding that the British companies have brought Azerbaijani oil to the world market.

Mammadguliyev said Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom cooperate in many areas, stressing that oil and gas industry is of special importance in relations. He also noted the importance of expansion of ties in science, education and other areas.

State and government officials, MPs, representatives of the diplomatic corps, British officers of the "Baku-2015" Operation Committee of the European Games and members of the public attended the event.

The Queen celebrates two birthdays each year: her actual birthday -April 21 and her official birthday on a Saturday in June.

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.

--

Sara Rajabova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @SaraRajabova

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz