Azernews.Az

By Aynur Karimova

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev has embarked on a state visit to China.

The city officials welcomed President Aliyev at the Xian International Airport on December 8. Xian is located in Shaanxi province in the centre of China.

As part of the visit, President Aliyev viewed Terracotta Army Museum (underground sculptures army) in Xian. The head of state was informed about the general plan of the territory where the museum is located.

Sculptures were discovered in 1974 and are considered one of the most important archaeological discoveries in the world history.

Located at the northern foot of Lishan Mountain, 35 kilometers northeast of Xian, Shaanxi Province, Qinshihuang Mausoleum is the tomb of Emperor Qinshihuang, founder of the first unified empire in Chinese history during the 3rd century BCE.

President Aliyev was informed that in 1987 terracotta army was included in UNESCO's World Heritage List.

President Aliyev also reviewed the terracotta army statues of soldiers of different ranks. The head of state was informed about the examples of bronze weapons which were found during excavations in the area.

Then a picture was taken. President Ilham Aliyev signed the Museum's guest book.

Relations between Azerbaijan and China have a long history. Because of its advantageous geographical situation Azerbaijan was a natural crossing point on the way from East to West and North to South and was one of the main trade, transport and cultural centers on the Great Silk Road.

China recognized the independence of Azerbaijan in 1991. The diplomatic relations between the two countries were established a year later. The Embassy of China to Azerbaijan was opened in 1992, while Azerbaijan’s Embassy to China was opened in 1993. The two countries permanently support each other on international organizations.

China is a huge opportunity and a priority market for Azerbaijan. More than 50 agreements were signed between the two countries.

The trade turnover between China and Azerbaijan amounted to $288.4 million in the first six months of 2015, some $259.3 million of which were accounted for Azerbaijan's import operations.

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

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