Chairman of State Customs Committee meets Special Representative of U.S. Department of State

Aydin Aliyev spoke of the bilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and the USA.

He said President Ilham Aliyev's recent Washington visit marked a new phase in development of the bilateral relations.

Mr. Aliyev said he believes both Azerbaijan and the USA will step up efforts to increase bilateral trade.

He also said he believes customs authorities of both countries will sign bilateral cooperation agreement.

Frank Mermud, in his turn, said he is pleased to visit Azerbaijan, stressing the country's rapid economic progress.

He said the USA attaches great importance to cooperation with Azerbaijan and sees it as strategic partner.

Mr. Mermoud noted Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's talks with President George Bush and other high-ranked officials of the U.S. Government in Washington gave the impetus to the bilateral relations between the two countries.

The State Department's Special Representative also welcomed the level of cooperation between the customs authorities of his country and Azerbaijan, saying he believes this cooperation will further deepen.

Ambassador of the USA to Azerbaijan Mrs. Anne Derse was also present at the meeting. AzerTAg