Details added: first version posted on 12:36
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 2. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy Luigi Di Maio during his official visit to Azerbaijan, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The diplomats held one-on-one meeting, and then took part in the first meeting of strategic dialogue between the two countries.
Bayramov pointed out that the meeting was very significant and coincided with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Italy. The minister congratulated his counterpart on this occasion.
Di Maio noted with satisfaction the meeting with the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev during the visit, and reminded that the current meeting of the strategic dialogue is based on the "Joint Declaration on Strengthening the Multidimensional Strategic Partnership" signed during the state visit of the President of Azerbaijan to Italy in February 2020.
The minister also noted that the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries is a significant event.
The parties discussed Azerbaijan-Italy bilateral strategic partnership, issues of mutual interest on the regional and international agenda. Besides, the ministers expressed satisfaction with the high-level political dialogue between the two countries, mutual visits, extensive economic cooperation, intensive exchanges in energy, transport, culture, humanitarian and other fields.
It was stressed that Azerbaijan and Italy have mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas, Italy is Azerbaijan's largest trading partner, while Azerbaijan is Italy's largest supplier of crude oil and the largest export point in the South Caucasus.
It was noted that Italian companies successfully operate in the Azerbaijani economy, both in the oil and non-oil sectors, and there are ample opportunities for further deepening economic cooperation.
It was highlighted that the activities of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Italy are developing successfully. It was emphasized that the next meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission will be useful for further expansion of economic ties and diversification of economic cooperation.
The expansion of humanitarian cooperation between the two countries was noted, and the groundbreaking ceremony of the Italian-Azerbaijani University to be held during the current visit in accordance with the agreement reached by the leaders of the two countries was emphasized by the parties with satisfaction.
The sides noted the importance of inter-parliamentary relations, including the role of friendship groups in the development of relations between the two countries, and emphasized the importance of further strengthening future cooperation in this area.
Moreover, there was noted Azerbaijan’s high appreciation of fair position, based on international law, demonstrated by the Italian government and parliament, including senators and MPs during the 2020 second Karabakh war and the post-conflict period.
Bayramov informed about the current situation in the region, including the steps taken by Azerbaijan to implement the trilateral statements [between Russian, Azerbaijani and Armenian leaders following the second Karabakh war].
He also informed about Azerbaijan's position on the normalization of relations with Armenia, the restoration and reconstruction work in the areas liberated from Armenian occupation [during the war].
At the same time, the minister noted that the violation of the provisions of the trilateral statement by Armenia is an obstacle to peacebuilding in the region.
At the meeting, the sides exchanged views on humanitarian demining activities in Azerbaijan. The Italian side expressed interest in expanding its participation in the demining process.
The sides also discussed cooperation in a multilateral format, within international organizations, including relations with the European Union, as well as the situation in Ukraine.
At the end of the meeting, the ministers signed a Protocol of the first meeting of the Strategic Dialogue between Azerbaijan and the Italy.