Azerbaijan, Italy discuss foreign relations

Azerbaijan`s Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov has met Italian counterpart Franco Frattini in Rome to discuss the two countries` relations. The FMs praised the bilateral political ties.

They emphasized participation of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in official events to mark the 150th anniversary of the Italy`s unification at the invitation of Italian President Giorgio Napolitano.

Frattini said he believes Italy would be Azerbaijan`s first trade partner in the future.
The Italian FM stressed the importance of enhancing economic cooperation not only in the oil sector, but also in the non-oil sector.

The ministers discussed a number of projects to be implemented as part of cultural and educational cooperation.

The two also discussed regional and energy security issues. Mammadyarov highlighted the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the negotiations process.

He underlined the necessity of resolving the conflict for the establishment of peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

Frattini said his country supports the current process of negotiations. The Azeri FM highlighted the current and prospective energy projects in the region.

Frattini underlined Azerbaijan`s increasing role in Europe`s energy security. The ministers noted the dynamics of the development of Azerbaijan-Italy relations serve to elevate them to the level of strategic cooperation.


/AzerTAc/