Today.Az - President Aliyev: The relations between Azerbaijan and Israel are developing succesfully

Today.Az » Politics » President Aliyev: The relations between Azerbaijan and Israel are developing succesfully - UPDATED

30 June 2009 [08:50] - Today.Az

30.06.09

09:50

Israel supports principle of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity in the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Israeli President Shimon Peres said during his remarks at the Azerbaijan University of Languages.

The president said Israel supports peaceful resolution of the conflict.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan since 1992, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and 7 surrounding districts. Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group - Russia, France, and the U.S. - are currently holding the peace negotiations.

Peres stressed importance of multi-lateral political, economic, humanitarian and scientific cooperation between Azerbaijan and Israel.

Speaking about economic ties between the two countries, Peres emphasized significance of projects on supply of Azerbaijan's hydrocarbon resources to Israel. "It has both economic and political aspects," Peres said.

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29.06.09

12:20

"There are similarities between our countries. Though our countries are not large, our people have great hearts", said Israeli President Shimon Peres.

The Israeli President also voiced attitude towards the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno Karabakh and occupation in result of this conflict.

"Despite the occupation, you have managed to preserve your culture and optimism. I understand the problem of a million of refugees and IDP in the country with a population of over 8 mln people. This means that every eighth citizen of the country is an displaced person. But you cope with this problem with dignity", said Peres.

He stressed importance of the further expansion of cooperation between the two countries. He noted that Azerbaijan has an atmosphere of high tolerance.

Voicing gratitude for good attitude towards Jewish community in Azerbaijan, the Israeli president said: "This happened historically. Jews, who leave Azerbaijan for Israel, always share their kind remembrances of your country. We are at the start of a new path. This is a good and promising start. But today small countries should not content with innovations, but move to new horizons, to the national concept and thinking.

We have come with a big delegation. It consists of 3 ministers. Moreover, it has about 50 influential businessmen. They intend to deepen and enrich our relations. This should be mutual. We must work together for the sake of mutual benefit".

He also highly appreciated Azerbaijan's efforts to establish peace in the region. The high guest again thanked for the hospitality.

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10:25

On Sunday, following one-on-one meeting between Presidents of Azerbaijan and Israel Ilham Aliyev and Shimon Peres the meeting in the presence of the two countries` delegations took part, AzerTAj state news agency reported.

The President of Azerbaijan made a speech, in which he had expressed his satisfaction with the level of cooperation between two states.

"Our relations are developing succesfully. We are satisfied with our level of cooperation", said Aliyev.

Azerbaijani President said there are good prospects of the economical cooperation of two countries. He said, that Azerbaijan and Israel are also cooperating in humanitarian issues.

"You arrived here with a large group of businessmen. I think contacts among businessmen help strengthen bilateral relations," said President.

Israeli President thanked for the hospitality. He said both countries` ministers will share their opinions on the current state of cooperation.

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10:15

On Sunday, after the talks were held in the presence of two states delegations, a ceremony of signing documents was held in the presence of Presidents Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Shimon Peres of Israel, AzerTAj state news agency reported.

The intergovernmental agreements on culture, education and science cooperation between Azerbaijan and Israel was signed by Abulfas Garayev, Azerbaijan`s Minister of Culture and Tourism and Daniel Hershkowitz, Israeli Minister of Science and Technology.

The intergovernmental agreement on Information and Communication Technologies cooperation between Azerbaijan and Israel was signed by Ali Abbasov, Azerbaijani Minister of Communication and Information Technology and Uzi Landau, Israeli Minister of National Infrastructure.

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