July 17
Ten corrupt officials in Azerbaijan dismissed
Ten officials in Azerbaijan have been dismissed and other 29 have been brought to disciplinary responsibility for corruption since early 2017, Kamran Aliyev, head of the Anti-Corruption General Directorate under the Prosecutor General’s Office of Azerbaijan, said at a press conference.
During the period, the Anti-Corruption General Directorate considered appeals of 3,656 citizens, investigated 125 criminal cases, initiated criminal proceedings on 75 cases, and compiled acts on 50 cases, said Aliyev.
As a result of measures carried out jointly with the relevant state structures, the violated rights of citizens were restored and submissions were carried for the relevant organizations in order to eliminate the detected violations.
Aliyev added that during the period, operational structures of the Anti-Corruption General Directorate filed two criminal cases against persons detained at the crime scene and six criminal cases on the basis of information on corruption offenses.
Turkish deputy PM talks investments in Azerbaijan
The financial and insurance sectors, the catering sector, tobacco industry as well as the industrial and construction sectors are of particular interest for Turkish investors in Azerbaijan, Nurettin Canikli, deputy prime minister of Turkey, said in an interview with Trend.
"As a result of the decline in oil prices in the world market, the Azerbaijani government focused on the non-oil sector development and investment in this area. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has repeatedly stated that in the short and medium term, it is necessary to develop the country’s non-oil sector," he said.
Since 2015, Azerbaijan has started to make quick decisions for investing in agriculture, animal husbandry, chemical, textile and tourism industries, Canikli said, adding that based on this, Turkish investors will not miss the chance to invest in various sectors of Azerbaijan's economy.
"There are many opportunities for Turkish investors to share experience with Azerbaijan in these spheres," the deputy PM said and noted that Turkish companies are ready to continue investing in Azerbaijan to support the country’s development.
Canikli said Turkey’s direct investments in the Azerbaijani economy amounted to $6.2 billion in the past 14 years.
Azerbaijan, Latvia sign documents
Following the expanded meeting, a ceremony of signing documents has been held with participation of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the Republic of Latvia Raimonds Vejonis.
The two presidents signed a joint declaration on establishing a strategic partnership between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Latvia.
A memorandum of understanding on international integrated cargo transportation between the Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technologies of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Transport of Latvia was signed by Co-chairman of the intergovernmental commission for economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan Huseyngulu Bagirov and Latvia’s Minister of Transport Uldis Augulis.
The agreement on cooperation in the field of state control over security in construction between the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Economy of Latvia was signed by Co-chairman of the intergovernmental commission for economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan Huseyngulu Bagirov and Latvia’s Minister of Education and Science Karlis Sadurskis.
The agreement on cooperation in the field of education between the Government of Azerbaijan and the Government of Latvia was signed by Minister of Education of Azerbaijan Mikayil Jabbarov and Latvia’s Minister of Education and Science Karlis Sadurskis.
Presidents of Azerbaijan, Latvia meet in expanded format
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the Republic of Latvia Raimonds Vejonis have held an expanded meeting joined by their delegations.
Big opportunities for expanding cooperation between the two countries in a variety of fields were hailed at the meeting. Azerbaijan's significant role in international transport corridors, including East-West and North-South corridors, as well as in cargo transportation between Asia and Europe was emphasized.
President Ilham Aliyev highlighted Azerbaijan’s contribution to international cooperation in the field of transport. The sides hailed the importance of the documents to be signed as part of the Azerbaijani President’s official visit to Latvia, expressing their confidence that these documents will contribute to the expansion of bilateral relations. They also discussed the educational cooperation, and underlined good opportunities for expanding bilateral ties in this area.
The importance of Azerbaijan-Latvia relationship in the context of Azerbaijan-EU ties was underlined.
The sides discussed the activity of the intergovernmental commission, and highlighted the significance of exploring the opportunities for increasing the bilateral trade, determining export and import potential, and cooperation in agriculture, tourism, information and communication technologies.
President Raimonds Vejonis emphasized that Latvia has always supported and will continue to support Azerbaijan's territorial integrity.
The Latvian President noted that his country will continue to contribute to the strengthening of Azerbaijan-EU cooperation.
July 18
Ilham Aliyev attends Azerbaijan-Latvia business forum in Riga
An Azerbaijan-Latvia business forum has been held in Riga.
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the Republic of Latvia Raimonds Vejonis attended the event.
The heads of state made speeches at the forum.
The event then featured discussions.
Organized by the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation and the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, the business forum brought together around 200 entrepreneurs representing more than 120 companies from both sides.
The sides put forward proposals on the development of cooperation between the two countries in a variety of fields of economy.
Ilham Aliyev meets speaker of Latvian parliament
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has visited the Saeima (parliament) of the Republic of Latvia in Riga.
Speaker of the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia Inara Murniece greeted Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.
Murniece presented a group of parliamentarians to President Ilham Aliyev. She informed Ilham Aliyev of the activity of the Saeima and familiarized him with the meeting hall.
The head of state also signed a guest book of the Saeima.
President Ilham Aliyev and Inara Murniece then held a meeting.
The Speaker of the Saeima praised relations between the two countries. Recalling her visit to Baku, Murniece said the official visit of President Ilham Aliyev to Latvia will open a new page in the development of bilateral ties.
President Aliyev said Azerbaijan-Latvia relations successfully develop in a variety of fields. The head of state recalled his meeting with Inara Murniece in Baku.
The President said political relations between the two countries successfully develop. The head of state said parliamentary cooperation makes a great contribution to bilateral ties.
President Ilham Aliyev said there are good opportunities for expanding economic relations and for cooperation in the cultural, humanitarian and tourism fields.
Ilham Aliyev receives delegation led by Austrian minister
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received a delegation led by Austrian Federal Minister of Families and Youth Sophie Karmasin.
Karmasin described her visit to Azerbaijan as successful, hailing numerous fruitful meetings they held at ministries and organizations as well as hospitality shown to them.
Describing Azerbaijan as a very interesting country open for cooperation, the Austrian minister praised huge opportunities for implementing various projects in Azerbaijan.
Karmasin expressed Austria's readiness to support development of know-how in appropriate areas in Azerbaijan.
She said that she was informed on interesting projects relating to e-government in Azerbaijan as she visited the country's Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population yesterday.
The president expressed his confidence that the visit of Karmasin to Azerbaijan will be fruitful and yield good results.
President Aliyev said he hopes the visit will contribute to the development of bilateral cooperation between the two countries in a variety of fields.
Azerbaijan, EU agree on main part of draft agreement "On Common Airspace"
Azerbaijan and the EU agreed on the main part of the draft agreement "On common airspace", Fuad Iskandarov, head of the Azerbaijani delegation to the EU, Azerbaijani ambassador to Belgium, said in an interview with Trend.
"After a four-year pause, Azerbaijan and the EU resumed the negotiation process on the agreement,” he said. “The talks were held in Brussels in early July. From the Azerbaijani side, the management of the country’s State Civil Aviation Administration took part in the negotiations. Intensive negotiations have been held for two days and the main part of the agreement was agreed upon.”
“The next round of negotiations between Azerbaijan and the EU on an agreement on common airspace will be held in Baku in October,” the diplomat added.
"This is a rather complex technical project, but at the same time, it has its political and economic components,” he said. “I think the dynamics of the talks on this document gives the opportunity to make optimistic conclusions over its prospects."
It should be stressed that the second stage of the negotiations on concluding an agreement on common airspace among the countries of the European Union and Azerbaijan was held in Brussels, Belgium on July 4-5.
During the constructive talks, both sides expressed their readiness to sign the relevant treaties. The comments and proposals of the Azerbaijani side were discussed and a number of unclear issues were clarified. A protocol was signed following the meeting.
A decision was made to hold the third stage of negotiations in Baku. Until then, comments of other Azerbaijani ministries and committees will be rapidly sent to the European Union and its member countries. The final version of the agreement is expected to be prepared at the meeting in Baku.
Ilham Aliyev meets Turkmen foreign minister
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received deputy chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov.
President Ilham Aliyev said Rashid Meredov’s visit to the country will create good opportunities for discussing the development of bilateral relations.
The head of state noted that Azerbaijan attaches great importance to brotherly relations with Turkmenistan and is interested in expanding the bilateral ties in all areas.
“This is necessitated by the historical ties between our two nations and today’s realities. We see such an attitude from the Turkmen side as well,” President Ilham Aliyev said.
The head of state expressed his hope that the relations of cooperation and partnership between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan will strengthen in the years to come.
Saying the two countries maintain active cooperation in political, economic, transport, humanitarian and other areas, President Ilham Aliyev noted that he will spare no efforts to create new opportunities for mutual activities and develop cooperation between the two friendly and neighboring countries.
President Ilham Aliyev touched upon a meeting of the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Turkey to be held in Azerbaijan on July 19. The head of state described the meeting as a good cooperation format, highlighting its importance in terms of discussion of trilateral relations and regional issues.
July 19
Ilham Aliyev receives Turkish FM
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey Mevlut Cavusoglu.
President Aliyev noted the importance of a meeting of the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Turkey in Baku.
President Aliyev said the 22nd Istanbul meeting of the World Petroleum Congress played a crucial role in increasing the influence of this organization.
The president recalled his meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the Congress.
The president noted that the Turkish foreign minister's visit to Azerbaijan once again paves the way for discussion of the issues relating to bilateral relationship.
President Aliyev hailed the strengthening of Azerbaijan-Turkey ties, saying good results have been yielded in all areas.
Cavusoglu extended greetings and best wishes of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to President Aliyev.
He noted that President Erdogan hails President Aliyev's attending the Istanbul-hosted 22nd meeting of the World Petroleum Congress.
Cavusoglu said that his country commends Azerbaijan for holding the events commemorating the July 15 attempted coup d'etat in Turkey.
The Turkish foreign minister also offered his condolences to President Aliyev and the people of Azerbaijan on the killing of Azerbaijani civilians on the line of contact as a result of the recent provocation of the Armenian military units.
Azerbaijan names ambassador to China
Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree appointing Akram Zeynalli as the country’s extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador to China.
July 20
President Aliyev receives “Friend of Journalists” award
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received the “Friend of Journalists” award.
The award was presented to the president by Aflatun Amashov, chairman of the Azerbaijani Press Council, at the ceremony of presenting apartments to journalists on the occasion of the National Press Day in another building built for journalists.
July 21
President Aliyev views plans of work to be done in Pirallahi
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has familiarized himself with the works done and plans for future projects to be implemented in the center of Pirallahi district, Baku.
Head of the district`s Executive Authority Vasif Imanov informed President Ilham Aliyev about the general layout of the district.
Ilham Aliyev lays foundation of fish hatcheries in Pirallahi district
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has attended a groundbreaking ceremony of indoor and outdoor farms at the CMS Properties LLC fish hatchery complex to be established under the Narakand project in Pirallahi district.
The head of state was informed about the complex.
President Ilham Aliyev then laid the foundation of the fish hatcheries.
President Aliyev inaugurates drinking water supply project in Pirallahi
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has attended a ceremony to launch a drinking water supply project in Pirallahi district, Baku.
Prior to the ceremony, the head of state met with the representatives of the general public in the district.
On behalf of the district public, Ulkar Shirinova thanked President Ilham Aliyev for his attention and care.
President Ilham Aliyev then viewed the stands reflecting technical and economic indicators of the work done under the project “Reconstruction of drinking water supply and sewage systems in Pirallahi district”.
Chairman of Azersu OJSC Gorkhmaz Huseynov informed President Ilham Aliyev about the work done here.
President Ilham Aliyev then pressed a button to launch the drinking water supply system.
Ilham Aliyev views Narakand complex in Pirallahi district of Baku
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has viewed the conditions created at Narakand complex which includes a fish farm, park, catering, entertainment and recreation center in Pirallahi district, Baku.
Head of the district’s Executive Authority Vasif Imanov informed President Ilham Aliyev about the conditions created in Pirallahi and the Narakand complex.
President Ilham Aliyev opens Pirallahi solar power plant
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has attended the opening of Pirallahi solar power plant.
Chairman of the State Agency on Alternative and Renewable Energy Sources Akim Badalov informed the head of state about the technical and economic indicators of the power plant.
Ilham Aliyev arrives in Russia for working visit
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has arrived in the Russian Federation for a working visit.
Governor of Krasnodar region Veniamin Kondratyev and Mayor of Sochi Anatoly Pakhomov greeted President Aliyev at the Sochi International Airport.
Several Bulgarian companies interested in Pirallahi Industrial Park
Several Bulgarian companies are interested in Azerbaijan’s Pirallahi Industrial Park and are currently studying the opportunities for future cooperation, said Azerbaijani Ambassador to Bulgaria Nargiz Gurbanova in her interview with Trend. “Great prospects for cooperation between the two countries are open in the field of pharmaceutics. In 70-80s of the last century Bulgaria was traditionally considered as one of the main countries supplying pharmaceutical products to republics of the former Soviet Union, including Azerbaijan. Today production in this sphere is adjusted in line with international standards, and Bulgarian companies are considering new opportunities for cooperation with Azerbaijan in the field of pharmaceutics,” said the ambassador. According to her, the embassy sent the necessary information on the activities of the Pirallahi Industrial Park to the Bulgarian business associations, which caused great interest of businessmen.
Another priority area for cooperation is the perfume industry of Bulgaria, noted Gurbanova.
A business meeting between the two countries’ business is planned to be held in Sofia in autumn, during which representatives of companies will have an opportunity to discuss cooperation in detail.
It should be noted that the Pirallahi Industrial Park was created under a decree of the Azerbaijani president in September 2016 and specializes in the production of pharmaceutical products. As in other industrial parks, investors are exempted from paying various taxes and customs duties for seven years.
A number of pharmaceutical plants will operate in Azerbaijan in the next three years. The construction of two plants has already started in the Pirallahi Industrial Park. The first plant, Hayat Pharm, is a joint Azerbaijani-Russian project. R-Pharm company represents the Russian side in the project.
The second plant, Caspian Pharmed, is being built jointly with Iran’s Tamin Pharmaceutical Investment Company. The third plant is being built with Azerbaijan’s Diamed Co.
According to Azerbaijan’s State Customs Committee, the country’s trade turnover with Bulgaria reached almost $4.77 million in January-May 2017, some $4.69 million of which accounted for the country’s import operations. During the year, the two countries’ trade turnover went up by 1.6 percent.
July 22
Azerbaijani, Russian presidents meet in Sochi
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has met with President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin in Sochi.
The presidents once again emphasized the existence of the relations of strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Russia. They pointed out successful development of the bilateral relations in political, economic, humanitarian and other areas.
The heads of state discussed the issues relating to settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
They also exchanged views over international and regional problems. Both presidents expressed their confidence that relations of friendship and strategic partnership between Russia and Azerbaijan will continue to develop successfully.