Azerbaijan's trade with Bulgaria increases

“Trade between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria quadrupled in 11 months of 2011, if compared with the same period last year,” said Azerbaijan`s ambassador. Emil Karimov gave an interview to Bulgarian newspaper “Standard” on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Azerbaijan's state independence.

The Ambassador highlighted the work to transport Azerbaijani natural gas to Bulgaria, saying “this is the main aspect of relations between the two countries”. The Ambassador noted that the first oil in the world was extracted in Azerbaijan, noting developing the non-oil sector is among key priorities for the government.

Karimov outlined Azerbaijan's status as a first democratic republic in the East, which was established in 1918.He spoke of Azerbaijan`s culture and art, noting that Azerbaijani mugam was included in UNESCO's list of cultural heritage.

The ambassador also touched upon political and economic challenges faced by Azerbaijan during the first years of independence, in particular the occupation of 20 per cent of the country`s lands in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Armenia. He praised national leader Heydar Aliyev`s role in changing the situation in the country for the best.

The diplomat also touched upon Azerbaijan`s election to the UN Security Council, saying: “Azerbaijan will follow all international law principles and norms that ensure peace and security during its non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council.”


/AzerTAc/