President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev satisfied with the results of the negotiations with the Latvian counterpart Vayra Vike-Freiberga. At the joint news conference on 3 October 2005 in Baku Ilham Aliyev noted that during the first official visit of the Latvian President to Azerbaijan the main topic of the talks was the cooperation between the two countries, as well as the settlement of the conflicts in the South Caucasus region, Trend reports. According to him, the integration of Azerbaijan into Europe became one more topic of the negotiations with the President of Latvia.
Vayra Vike-Freiberga in her turn noted, that there is a common moment between Azerbaijan and Latvia: both states were parts of the former Soviet Union and are currently actively integrated into Europe. She noted, that the active progress of Azerbaijan as an independent state is currently observed. Vike-Freiberga stressed formation of the democratic society, as well as the cooperation with the European Union is in interests of Azerbaijan. The President said that the government of Latvia, as the European Union member is ready to share its experience in this aspect.
Replying the questions of journalists the President of Azerbaijan stated the country’s position on the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is based on the international principles. He noted Armenia occupied about 20% of the Azerbaijan’s territory, including the areas, adjourning Nagornoy Karabakh, where the Armenians were not residents previously. He noted, Azerbaijan guarantees security to the local population and the political stability. However, the fundamental factor for the conflict peaceful settlement is returning of the occupied territories to Azerbaijan, and the refugees and the internally displaced persons to their homelands.
Freiberga noted from her part, the position of Latvia in the Nagorno-Karabakh issue is identical to the European Union. It recognizes the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and considers that the world practice shows, the military solution of the conflict is the loss for the both sides. Responding the issue on the economic potential of the both countries the Presidents of the both countries noted, good opportunities are available and the joint business forum will demonstrate it.