Opinions & Interviews

BAKU, 12 June (BelTA) - Azerbaijan values and takes pride in the level of relations with Belarus, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev said as he met with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko in Baku on 12 June, BelTA informs.

According to the President of Azerbaijan, the leaders of the two countries maintain regular contacts, which adds momentum to bilateral relations. “Belarus is a friendly and brotherly state for us. We highly appreciate our relations and take pride in the political and economic progress we have been making as well as our joint projects,” Ilham Aliyev said.

“Our relations are sincere, reliable and are aimed at successful implementation of the tasks we set,” the President of Azerbaijan said.

Speaking about the first European Games in Baku, Ilham Aliyev stressed that this sport forum is a remarkable event for both Azerbaijan and Europe. Ilham Aliyev wished every success and victories to Belarusian athletes at the Games.

Belarus and Azerbaijan have been steadily developing cooperation in every area of mutual interest. The countries are strategic partners and maintain an active political dialogue at every level. The parties have been successfully cooperating in international organizations, including the UN and OSCE.

In 2014 the bilateral trade totaled $330.8 million. Export made up $322.1 million. Last year Belarus’ main exports to Azerbaijan included woodwork, tractors, trucks and component parts to them, milk and dairy products, engines, pharmaceutical products, and ferrous-metal goods.

In 2014 Belarus imported Azerbaijan’s oil products, acyclic hydrocarbons, clay, fruit and vegetable juices, polymers.

In 2007 the two countries launched a number of joint projects in production cooperation. Plants to assemble tractors, trucks, autocranes and elevators were set up in Azerbaijan. Ganja Auto Plant is the leader in the Belarusian-Azerbaijani production cooperation.

The Belarusian commodity distribution network on the market of Azerbaijan is represented by three national entities and 30 dealers.