Azerbaijan, Baku / corr. Trend S.Ilhamgizi / Walter Gier, the Swiss Ambassador to Azerbaijan and Turkey stated at a news conference in Baku on 29 March that last year the trade turnover between Switzerland and Azerbaijan reached $120 mln.
He noted that every year Switzerland invests $4 - 5 mln in Azerbaijan and it is actually a large sum for a small country. The diplomat stressed his country's interests in co-operation with Azerbaijan in the energy, private sector, investments, banking and cultural field.
In addition, the Ambassador said that he held a number of meetings at the ministries of Azerbaijan and debates were organized on the co-operation in various areas between the two countries.
"I was told during the meetings that Azerbaijan is developing day-by-day at the expense of the oil revenues. It identifies with the spheres in which we will closely co-operate with Azerbaijan," Gier said.
The Ambassador added that the responsibilities of the Swiss Embassy in Baku include assisting in strengthening relations and accelerating the integration between the National Bank of Azerbaijan and the World Bank.
In addition, he stressed that the Government of Switzerland will reconsider its policy regarding countries of South Caucasus, including Azerbaijan. Opening the Embassy in Azerbaijan is also an indicator of the prospects of co-operation.