Kazakhstan, Astana, Oct. 27 / Trend S.Suleymanov /
Azerbaijani Ambassador to Kazakhstan Zakir Hashimov believes Astana and Baku can become brother cities.
"The Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan cooperation is based on strategic partnership, and therefore there is every reason to strengthen cooperation between the two capitals - Astana and Baku, as there are all prerequisites to transfer this cooperation to a higher level," Hashimov told Trend.
Hashimov intends to appeal to Astana Governor Imangali Tasmagambetov with a request to declare Astana and Baku the brother cities. This form of cooperation can become the basis for expanding cooperation between the business structures of the two capitals and for cultural exchange, Hashimov said.
"As you know, the cultural life is very full and interesting in the capital. I believe we should establish actively the contacts, which will help to strengthen the Kazakh-Azerbaijani relations," he added.
Azerbaijani community in Kazakhstan totals more than 300,000 people. In particular, 30,000 Azerbaijanis reside only in Astana. The main part of the Azerbaijani community is families of those repressed in the Soviet period.
Traditional areas of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are the transportation of Kazakh oil and oil products through Baku - Black Sea transport corridor. There is also a ferry service between the two countries. Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are members of the TRACECA transport corridor (Europe-Caucasus-Asia).
There are prospects for cooperation in many other areas, Hashimov said in his interview with Trend earlier.
"The peoples of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are the fraternal peoples who share common historical roots," said the ambassador. "So, there is huge potential for cooperation in all spheres, including cultural, humanitarian, economic, and political fields."
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