Azernews.Az

By Aynur Karimova

Azerbaijan, an energy-rich South Caucasian country that pursues a multi-directional foreign policy, is keen on developing good political and economic relations with Latin American states.

One of these Latin American countries, Costa Rica, is also interested in developing ties with Azerbaijan, and Costa Rican Minister of Foreign Affairs and Religion Manuel Gonzalez Sanz's visit to Azerbaijan is a good sign of this cooperation.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who received Manuel Gonzalez Sanz on October 19, noted that the two countries enjoy excellent political relations.

Hailing the good opportunities for the development of ties between Azerbaijan and Costa Rica, the head of state said that Azerbaijan is interested in expanding bilateral relations with this country, and stressed the necessity of further enhancing relations in various fields, including the economy, energy, investment, trade, culture and other fields.

Sanz, in turn, expressed pleasure with the fact that he is the first high-level state representative of his country to pay a visit to Azerbaijan.

He said rapid development processes, landscaping and the construction work in Baku have made a deep impression on him. The minister once more noted that his country is keen on developing cooperation with Azerbaijan in various fields.

Given the fact that visa-free regime plays a significant role in the development of relations in various fields, in particular in the tourism sector, Azerbaijan and Costa Rica discussed this issue at a meeting between Manuel Gonzalez Sanz and Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov.

In his remarks after the talks with Mammadyarov, Sanz said at the press conference that Costa Rica is open to Azerbaijani businessmen and the country is ready to create favorable conditions for investments.

He also said that Azerbaijan is a partner of Costa Rica in the region and the country will make every effort to further develop the cooperation. The Costa Rican minister also revealed his country's position in the settlement of the Azerbaijan-Armenia Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

"All conflicts must be resolved peacefully," he noted. "We believe in international law and support the efforts of the international community to resolve the conflict. We support the UN Security Council’s all resolutions on the conflict."

Azerbaijan and Costa Rica are interested in developing ties not only in the political, but also in the economic field.

The two countries were able to discuss economic relations, particularly in the energy field, at a meeting between Azerbaijani Energy Minister Natig Aliyev and Manuel Gonzalez Sanz.

Minister Aliyev highlighted Azerbaijan's experience in the oil and gas industry and informed the guest about Azerbaijan's accomplishments as a result of the implementation of the national oil strategy.

Sanz, in turn, introduced Costa Rica's favorable and stable business opportunities for foreign investors.

The Costa Rican minister also discussed the opportunities presented to Azerbaijan's state oil fund SOFAZ in investing in his country at a meeting with SOFAZ Deputy Executive Director Israfil Mammadov.

Manuel Gonzalez Sanz's visit to Azerbaijan and high-level meetings with Azerbaijan's officials is thus a good opportunity for both countries to develop bilateral relations in various fields.

This visit would give impetus for the development of cooperation with other Latin American countries. Latin American countries support Azerbaijan’s interests on the international arena as well.

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

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