Azerbaijan, Baku, Nov.15 / Trend, A.Akhundov /
A Memorandum of Cooperation reflecting common ground was signed between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria in Baku on Monday and opens up great prospects for both countries, Azerbaijani Labour and Social Protection Minister Fizuli Alekperov told journalists following a meeting with the Bulgarian Labour and Social Policy Minister Totyu Mladenov.
The meeting discussed commitments arising from the signed memorandum.
"Both countries are experiencing a transitional period in the economy and face the same problems. Each country is interested in each other's experience in addressing these problems," Mr Alekperov said.
He said it is important for both sides to improve the working of the state labour market management.
"We held effective talks in this regard. We also agreed that our disabled people were treated in Bulgaria's specialist rehabilitation centres. Azerbaijan has also great potential in this area which can be used by Bulgaria. Our cooperation will develop further," Mr Alekperov said.
He said a number of ministry employees were previously trained in Bulgarian training centres.
"They meet standards of the International Labour Organisation and leading European countries and that is what we need," Mr Alekperov said.
He said the memorandum does not include an item directly concerning social provision of migrants in both countries.
"At present, Bulgaria and Azerbaijan practically lack any exchange of labour migrants, only our students get education in Bulgaria. However, it is possible in the future, as interest in taking part in mutual investment programmes in the non-oil sector increases every day. Investments will lead to a flow of labour migrants," Mr Alekperov said.
The memorandum between both countries' labour ministries was signed during the Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov's official visit to Azerbaijan.
