After the face-to-face meeting in Baku, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Serbian President Boris Tadic held talks in an expanded format with participation of delegations, AzerTaj state news agency reported.
Addressing participants of the meeting, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said that yesterday and today the parties had a good discussion about successfully developing bilateral relations. "I am confident that your visit to our country will be an important step towards further development of bilateral ties and expansion of relations, covering many areas. We have very strong political ties. I hope that our economic cooperation will also comply with this strategic direction. Relations with Serbia are important to us. I am confident that our strong bilateral relations will open good opportunities for cooperation between the Balkan and Caucasus regions. We will advance, " Ilham Aliyev said.
He said that Boris Tadic's visit became the first official visit of Serbian President to Azerbaijan in the history of relations between the two countries. "We appreciate it and express gratitude that you accepted our invitation. I am confident that the discussions that we held today and the signed documents will create a solid foundation for long-term strategic relationship between our two countries.
"Once again, welcome! I am confident that you will be satisfied with your visit to Azerbaijan", Azerbaijani President said.
Expressing gratitude for warm reception, Boris Tadic expressed hope that the parties will continue to develop relations as true friends in future. "I see many similarities between the two developing regions - the Balkans and the Caucasus. We face the same difficulties. We are very interested in the development of bilateral relations. At the same time, we exchange views on some challenges our countries face, and solving the problems. Being here - in Baku, in Azerbaijan, I have witnessed many similarities. At first, I must say that there are similarities that unite our countries and peoples. I think you will see them when you visit our country, " Serbian President said.
He said that two countries have common interests in protecting their territorial integrity. "We shared our views. Such issues have a fundamental nature for us. Serbia acts to maintain the territorial integrity of all countries in the world. From this point of view, you can rely on us," Boris Tadic said.