Azerbaijan interested in developing relations with Lebanon and Syria: ambassador

Azerbaijan, Baku, January 11 / Trend , U.Sadikhova /

Azerbaijan attaches great importance to developing relations in all fields with the Arab and Islamic countries, with whom it has historical, religious, cultural and economic ties, Azerbaijani ambassador to Syria and Lebanon Mahir Aliyev told in an interview with the Arabic weekly "al-Hawadeth".

According to ambassador Aliyev, an example of Arab-Azerbaijani relations is Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's visit to Baku in July 2009, where were signed 19 agreements on cooperation in various fields, and opening a Syrian embassy in Azerbaijan in 2010, as well as Azerbaijan's decision to open diplomatic missions in Lebanon, Libya and Sultanate of Oman.

"At the same time, Azerbaijan confirms continuing mutual support between it and the Arab countries on the problems that exist for both sides," said the ambassador.

Regarding the development of relations with Lebanon, according to ambassador Aliyev, Azerbaijan believes that a prosperous future expects the country, including prospects for the development of economic and cultural relations between Baku and Beirut.

"Azerbaijan will always support Lebanon on the regional and international level in addressing problems that Lebanon may face. Azerbaijan hopes that the new government will be able to establish stability that Lebanon deserves and needs," said the ambassador.

The interview with the Arabic publication also touched upon the occupation of Azerbaijani lands by Armenia, Azerbaijan's foreign policy, restoring the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions, enhancing cooperation with neighboring countries, strengthening security and stability in the Caucasus, as well as the transformation of the Caucasus into a territory free from nuclear weapons, cooperation with EU and NATO and Azerbaijan's participation in combating international terrorism.