Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev and Swiss President Hans-Rudolf Merz met Monday here in the presence of the two countries` delegations, AzerTAj state news agency reported.

President Hans-Rudolf Merz said "we have intensive relations at the level of heads of state and other levels. He added inter-parliamentary groups contribute to boosting bilateral relationship even more.

On Azerbaijani days in Switzerland, he noted "such events contribute to bringing our peoples closer".

According to the Swiss President, bilateral economic cooperation is developing rapidly. "Our energy cooperation is expanding, we have projects in non-energy sector, as well", he added.

President Hans-Rudolf Merz underlined the importance of expansion of cooperation in alternative energy sector. He also praised the fact that the volume of trade turnover between the two countries has increased.

For his part, President Ilham Aliyev said his official visit to Switzerland serves deepening of relations.

The President pointed out bilateral economic cooperation was developing rapidly, and that the two countries have greater potential for this. He also added "we have strong political ties".

The Azerbaijani leader underlined "our energy cooperation is continuing successfully", adding "there are good opportunities in non-energy sector and they should be expanded".

President Ilham Aliyev stressed the importance of Azerbaijani days in Switzerland. He also underscored the necessity of continuing political consultations on bilateral and regional issues.

The sides also exchanged views on bilateral relations, regional cooperation and international issues.