Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

Azerbaijan has proved itself as a reliable ally in solving the problems of regional and global importance, combating terrorism, contributing to expansion of ties between the countries and etc.

The country supports building mutually beneficial cooperation with the countries on the equal basis.

These issues were touched upon during the meetings of Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov with the top officials within the framework of the 70th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

During a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Pavlo Klimkin on September 29, Mammadyarov said the cooperation within the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development – GUAM, which brings together Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Moldova, plays an important role in developing the relations between the region’s countries.

He added that there are great opportunities within the organization for cooperation in humanitarian and economic spheres.

During the meeting, the sides also exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine and the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry reported.

Mammadyarov briefed his Ukrainian counterpart about the negotiations on resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which emerged in 1988 over Armenia’s territorial claims against Azerbaijan.

He noted that the conflict should be resolved only in accordance with the norms and principles of the international law, respect for the internationally recognized borders, territorial integrity and sovereignty of states.

Furthermore, Mammadyarov invited Klimkin to pay a visit to Azerbaijan and the invitation was accepted with great pleasure.

On the same day, Mammadyarov met with Iraq’s Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari, who voiced his country’s interest in expanding cooperation with Azerbaijan in combating terrorism.

Iraqi minister noted that the mutual official visits of the two countries’ representatives positively affect the development of relations and emphasized the importance of arranging reciprocal high-level visits between Iraq and Azerbaijan.

Touching upon the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, al-Jaafari said Iraq always supports Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.

Mammadyarov for his part said Azerbaijani and Iraqi people have historical friendly relations.

The direct air service between Baghdad and Baku will make significant contribution to cooperation between the two countries, according to Azerbaijan’s FM.

Noting that Azerbaijan and Iraq have great opportunities for cooperation, Mammadyarov also emphasized the importance of arranging bilateral visits of business circle representatives of the two countries and holding business forums for developing the trade and economic relations.

He said Azerbaijan is interested in cooperating with Iraq, especially in the energy sphere.

Mammadyarov also invited his Iraqi counterpart to visit Azerbaijan, which was accepted with pleasure.

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

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