President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has met Ukrainian leader Viktor Yanukovich in Istanbul on Tuesday AzerTAj state news agency reported.
"I hope we will have an active and constructive work in future. Our countries enjoy beautiful history of relations, and our personal ties will play a significant role in future. For us Ukraine is the closest friend and partner, and I believe that we`ll yield good results of our cooperation in the nearest future", said Ilham Aliyev.
"I`m happy to see you. I think that traditional relations between Ukraine and Azerbaijan, our personal friendly ties will create new opportunities, I would say, give impetus to our countries` relations. I`ve come to see you once again and discuss our bilateral relations, in particular trade and economic ones. The fall in trade in 2009, surely, doesn`t correspond to our potential. And now our task is at least restoring the trade. It currently makes 1 billion. I believe we can resolutely increase our trade, at least two-fold, in the nearest future. I`m very happy that your country, esteemed Mr. President, has very stable economy, and this was possible thanks to stability that you`ve had over recent years. I praise the fact that your Gross Domestic Product saw over 9 percent-rise in 2009 which was very difficult year. It is an outstanding achievement. In a short period of time you`ve managed to increase the per capita GDP two-fold, and even more. And I think, surely, the people of Azerbaijan feel it. I believe this contributes to solving many tasks with regard to internal policy, uniting the society and the people. It is very good, it is what Ukraine has lacked for recent years. And we envy you in a good sense of this word. However, I think a new era opened for Ukraine, and it, of course, will have a positive impact on our trade and economic cooperation, and relations between our countries and peoples. I`m happy to see you here today at this wonderfully-organized event. And I hope to see you again in the nearest future in Ukraine", Viktor Yanukovich said:.
Ilham Aliyev thanked Ukraine`s President for nice words about Azerbaijan.
"You are quite right. We got high results in critical 2009. It is pleasant that we have reached it thanks to our existing basis. Our economy have grown by 20 or 25 percent. Our economy is stable and even credit agencies have increased Azerbaijan`s credit rating this year. It shows that we have achieved the diversification of economy and a sustainable growth. You are quite right that the main aspects here are stability - both political and economic - and predictability of the situation, as well as investment potential. Therefore, actually, we want very much that the bilateral economic relations are restored. We are very hopeful for this.
Ukraine is our close friend and partner, strategic partner. We have lived together for long years in the past. We`ve supported each other as independent states. We enjoy personal friendship with you. This friendship has been continuing for years. I am sure that the friendly Ukrainian people will make great achievements under your leadership. I believe that you will ensure development in both industry and economy as you did when you led the government. There are all opportunities, primarily a political will to realize this.
I am happy to meet you again. I am sure that such meetings will happen often in Ukraine and Azerbaijan, and due to stable basis and mutual sympathy of our peoples, we will establish relations based on friendship, mutual interests and factors beneficial to our nations. On my own behalf, I once more congratulate you on being elected a President and winning the confidence of the Ukrainian people. This is a main evidence of attitude to and confidence in you. I am sure that you will justify all hopes", Azerbaijani President said.