Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

Azerbaijan and Australia have discussed the bilateral relations in various fields, as Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov has met a delegation of Australia-Azerbaijan inter-parliamentary friendship group led by Luke Simpkins, the foreign ministry reported.

Expressing satisfaction with development of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Australia, Mammadyarov noted the special importance of the mutual visits in this regard.

The minister said the establishment of friendship group between the two countries' legislative bodies is commendable stressing the important role of parliamentary diplomacy in the development of interstate relations.

Simpkins, for his part, conveyed his congratulations on the successful parliamentary elections, noting that the Australian mission participated in the election as an observer and hailing the high level of organization of the electoral process.

He expressed confidence that the visit would contribute to developing relations between the two countries, adding Azerbaijan’s achievements in the political, economic and social fields impressed them.

The meeting also discussed the development of cooperation in economic-trade and the humanitarian sphere.

Australia recognized Azerbaijan’s independence on 26 December 1991. Diplomatic relations between two countries have been established on June 19, 1992. In 2012 a law was adopted on establishing of the Azerbaijani embassy in Australia.

The Australian Embassy in Ankara is accredited to Azerbaijan representing Australia's foreign policy, trade, consular, immigration and other interests in Azerbaijan.

The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Australia stood at $4.937 million as of 2014, which is 2.4 times less than in 2013, according to Azerbaijan’s State Customs Committee.

The trade turnover between the two countries is made up mostly of Azerbaijan's exports of crude petroleum to Australia.

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

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