The visit of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Ukraine qualitatively fills the strategic partnership between the two countries in the political, economic and security spheres. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a meeting with media representatives following the negotiations with his Azerbaijani counterpart in Kyiv.
"We discussed in detail all areas of existing cooperation and all opportunities for its strengthening. The meeting resulted in six bilateral documents on cooperation: in agriculture, energy and trade. Their implementation will simplify investment activities, strengthen food and energy security, and increase bilateral trade. We have many plans, which we talked about in great detail with the President of Azerbaijan," the Ukrainian President said.
He noted that despite the pandemic, trade between the two countries has reached a record high of almost $ 1 billion for the first time in seven years. However, Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that this is not the limit, and today the states have set a new ambitious goal - to double the volume of bilateral trade by 2024.
"We also want to increase the amount of mutual investment and the number of large-scale joint projects. This includes the participation of Azerbaijani companies in the "Large Construction" program, as well as the participation of Ukrainian companies in infrastructure projects to which Mr. President has invited Ukrainian business," Volodymyr Zelenskyy added.
The participation of Azerbaijani business in large-scale privatization in Ukraine was discussed separately. According to the President of Ukraine, this opens up prospects for new mutually beneficial projects.
In this context, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ilham Aliyev agreed to hold a meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation in the first half of this year.
"The next step is to organize a meeting of the Council of Presidents of Ukraine and Azerbaijan," the Head of State said.
Another important topic is the development of transit potential and the creation of appropriate infrastructure.
"We should intensify cooperation in the field of international road and rail transport, as well as in the field of aviation. We will continue to work together on a number of prospects, including the creation of a transport corridor within GUAM, which unites Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Moldova," he said, adding that cooperation issues in other important areas were raised.
The President of Ukraine thanked his colleague and the entire Azerbaijani delegation for the warm and constructive talks, which became significant on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
"I am confident that the agreements we have reached today are beginning a new stage in our strategic, historical, correct substantive cooperation," Volodymyr Zelenskyy concluded.
Ilham Aliyev, for his part, noted that relations between Ukraine and Azerbaijan have many opportunities. In particular, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan noted plans for cooperation in the energy sector, as well as opportunities to increase cooperation in oil refining.
In addition, the issues of ensuring food security through the establishment of joint ventures in the food industry and joint innovation activities were discussed.
According to the President of Azerbaijan, the documents signed today will help strengthen bilateral relations.
"We are ready to cooperate in all areas, and I want to reiterate that all cooperation is based on our strong friendship," said Ilham Aliyev.
