Presidents Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus have had an expanded meeting which was joined by both countries` delegations. AzerTAj state news agency reported
President Ilham Aliyev welcomed guests to Azerbaijan.
"We place a great importance on your visit. I believe it will contribute to developing the relations between our states. Our relations are developing very dynamically, positively. We are working on many joint projects, and we are a success in it. We fulfill every task in a short period of time and with quality. This is why I think that your visit to our country will give a stronger boost to developing the bilateral relations. We plan to sign a number of documents, and we enjoy a broad legal base. I think that members of the delegation are also taking the advantage of this visit. And I know that there are active contacts between members of our governments. However, I think discussing these issues once again would be beneficial. I believe we will explore new ways of developing our cooperation, find new areas, very promising areas - power engineering, agriculture, construction, tourism, and cooperation in the field of high technologies. I believe we`ll achieve good results. We`ve already deeply discussed the bilateral relations, regional issues and international affairs. I`m very pleased with our friendship and also with how effectively and positively our relations are developing. We in Azerbaijan are always pleased to see you, and I`m confident your current visit will be a success and mark good results. Welcome once again", Ilham Aliyev said.
Alexander Lukashenko expressed his gratitude for hospitality and said that longstanding good traditions of close cooperation, mutual support between our nations are not just living but becoming stronger and stronger in these different conditions.
"Today our countries are moving forward on the path towards strengthening statehood, creating a powerful state. And, Ilham Heydarovich, with a little envy, I speak about what I feel three years after my last visit here when I see what is going on in Baku, and not only in the capital. There are cranes everywhere, large-scaled construction work is underway, and in the evenings there is a special spectacle when you see beautiful lighting. Your buildings are at the same time different. Honestly, I`m happy for you.
You`ve been doing everything very wisely. I told Ilham Heydarovich that if a country has a president who thinks of and loves his people this country has great prospects", Alexander Lukashenko said.
The Belarus leader said thanks to an active dialogue between the presidents and governments the two countries` trade increased several times over last five years.
Alexander Lukashenko also pointed our there was a great potential to achieve much more in this regard."