Azerbaijan, Slovenia capable of expanding ties in various sectors

/AzerNews/

By Aynur Jafarova

Various economic sectors, in particular agriculture, tourism, ICT and energy, are among the main priorities for further development of cooperation between Slovenia and Azerbaijan, Slovenian Ambassador to Azerbaijan (with residence in Ankara) Milan Jazbec told TrendAgency on November 14.

“There is no disputed issue between Azerbaijan and Slovenia, and over the last 20 years the relations between the two countries have been developing in political, economic and humanitarian fields. There is a good dialogue between the heads of the two countries. In 2009. the president of Slovenia paid an official visit to Azerbaijan, and in 2011, the Azerbaijani president paid a visit to Slovenia, and in January last year, the Slovenian prime minister visited Azerbaijan. During these visits, the two sides put their focus on developing economic cooperation,” the ambassador noted.

Jazbec believes the two countries enjoy a significant capacity to develop this cooperation in all fields.

“The Slovenian government intends to pay significant attention to cooperation with Azerbaijan in the energy field. The two governments continue negotiations on this issue,” the ambassador added.

Slovenia is also interested in cooperation with Azerbaijan in the agricultural field. The two countries would significantly expand the assortment of imported and exported agricultural goods.

“We intend to significantly increase the import of Azerbaijani fruits, vegetables and vine. In turn, we can export our agricultural products to the Azerbaijani market,” Jazbec stressed.

The diplomat went on saying that tourism is another ground for cooperation of the two countries. The number of Azerbaijani tourists relaxing at the resorts of Slovenia is increasing year by year, and they get familiar with the history, culture and cuisine of this country.

Jazbec believes opening of direct flights would make a good contribution to the expansion of ties between Azerbaijan and Slovenia.

“This issue is currently under consideration. We have already held talks with Azerbaijan Airlines Closed Joint Stock Company. We are also planning to open charter flights,” he noted.

Jazbec also said the Slovenian government intends to raise the level of cooperation to the strategic partnership, and appointment of honorary council to Azerbaijan will make a great contribution to this.

Slovenia recognized Azerbaijan’s independence in December, 1991 and diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in February, 1996.