Azerbaijan is ready to contribute to ensuring Europe`s energy security – the President

Azerbaijan`s President Ilham Aliyev and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have given on Thursday a joint press conference at the Chancellor`s residence, Azertaj State News Agency reported.

Mrs. Merkel said she was pleased to once again welcome the President of Azerbaijan to Germany.

The Chancellor praised the two countries` economic relations, stressing the importance of using "our big potential" to boost the bilateral cooperation.

Mrs. Merkel offered Germany`s assistance to Azerbaijan in variety of spheres.
She described Azerbaijan as an important oil and gas producer and "a significant partner" to Germany.

President Ilham Aliyev thanked the German Chancellor for inviting him to visit her country.
The Azerbaijani leader said the two countries` relations saw "rapid development since my last visit here three years ago".

He in particular hailed the political relations and economic cooperation.

The President said about 100 German firms operated in Azerbaijan, adding there was a great demand for German technologies in his country.

The Azerbaijani leader expressed his country`s readiness to contribute to ensuring Europe`s energy security.

The President said Azerbaijan`s joining the European Union`s Eastern Partnership Program would allow the country conduct reforms in a variety of spheres.