You have led the Azerbaijani embassy in Latvia over the past few years. How would you describe development of bilateral relations between the two countries during these years?
Azerbaijan and Latvia established diplomatic relations on Jan. 11, 1994. This year marks their fifteenth anniversary. Azerbaijani embassy in Latvia was opened in Sept. 2005.
The bilateral relations began to expand almost immediately. After regaining independence both Azerbaijan and Latvia were engaged in resolving their own problems. However, since 2004, views of politicians in both countries focused on one direction - to the area in which we were once a united country. Relations assumed a new character especially after Latvia's accession to the EU and NATO.
I believe following official visits by Former Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga to Azerbaijan in Oct. 2005, a visit by President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan to Latvia in Oct. 2006, and the visit of President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers to Azerbaijan on Aug. 9-12, the bilateral relations began to develop rapidly.
We note with great pleasure the high degree of cooperation between Latvia and Azerbaijan and effective cooperation in international organizations such as UN, Council of Europe, EU, NATO, WTO and others. Coordination of positions and mutual support in these multilateral structures has become a kind of tradition.
Latvia recognizes sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of borders of Azerbaijan. It was repeatedly confirmed in the joint statements signed by the heads of state. Estonia also shares this position.
In what areas Azerbaijan and Latvia may have a closer cooperation?
As Latvia is an EU and NATO member and also for historical reasons, it understands the situation in the former Soviet Union better than the countries of "Old Europe.” We believe that it should play a greater role in terms of coordination of programs on the EU cooperation with neighboring countries. Programs like the Partnership for Peace, New Neighborhood and Eastern Partnership open up new opportunities for relations between Azerbaijan and Latvia.
With regard to Latvia, such areas like environmental protection, experience of local self-government bodies, work of urban structures, development of civil society institutions and others are of considerable interest for Azerbaijan.
We see cooperation with the EU as a two-way street, where we are contributing to energy security, combating terrorism, illegal migration and drug trafficking with assistance from the EU in implementing reforms. Azerbaijan’s transit opportunities including implementation of the TRACECA program and operation of transport corridors - East-West and North-South are very useful for Europe.
The two countries have created a regulatory framework (26 agreements), including agreements on investment protection and on avoiding double taxation, which allows to develop mutually beneficial business contacts. We are satisfied with the development of business in the banking sector, in the field of IT-technologies and food production. We consider chemical industry, wood processing, services, tourism, education, medicine, production of building materials and so on to be promising areas.
The Latvian entrepreneurs are interested in deepening business contacts with Azerbaijan’s business community. Latvian companies have come to conclusion that the Azerbaijani market or working with their partners can yield profits. It would be appropriate to recall the statement by authoritative Latvian businessman Ivar Strautiņš who said in an interview that "It is possible to do business with Azerbaijanis. They buy a lot and pay on time."
How many Azerbaijanis live in Latvia? Are Azerbaijanis in Latvia consolidated and active?
It is estimated that about 2,000 Azerbaijanis live in Latvia; 130 of them are Azerbaijani citizens with consular registration at the embassy. Azerbaijanis mainly live in Riga, Ventspils and Daugavpils.
There are several Azerbaijani communities in Latvia including Latvian Center of Azerbaijan Culture "Ojaq" chaired by Roman Aliyev. This organization plays an important role in promoting Azerbaijani culture in Latvia, in consolidating Azerbaijanis and stages various activities. Azerbaijani children often gather, host various cultural events and organize clubs in a Sunday school under the Riga Classical Gymnasium.
Besides being Azerbaijani ambassador to Latvia, you are also accredited in Estonia. How often you visit this northern Baltic republic? What can you say about number of Azerbaijanis there and the relations between Azerbaijan and Estonia?
Relations between Azerbaijan and Estonia are rapidly developing. The active political dialogue, developing economic cooperation, cooperation within international organizations, inter-parliamentary ties, expanded bilateral contractual basis, increasingly close contacts between authorities of both countries are a clear indicator of this trend.
The visit of Estonian President Mr. Toomas Hendrik Ilves to Azerbaijan that took place in Jan. this year, the last business forum aimed at further comprehensive development of relations, the summit talks, documents signed during the visit provided an added impetus to further expansion of Estonia-Azerbaijan cooperation.
/Day.Az/
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