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FOREIGN SECRETARY MEETS THE PRESIDENT OF AZERBAIJAN

The Foreign Secretary met His Excellency Mr Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan, today, who is making his first visit to the United Kingdom as President. Jack Straw said:

'It is a great pleasure to welcome President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan to the United Kingdom. This is the first time we have had the opportunity to discuss bilateral and international issues.

'I reassured President Aliyev that we fully support Azerbaijan's commitment to political and economic reform and to deepening relations with the European Union. The UK, both bilaterally and through our EU partners, will continue to encourage the Government of Azerbaijan to make progress in fulfilling democratic standards and upholding human rights and the rule of law.

'Our discussions also focused on energy issues. Azerbaijan is an important energy partner for the UK. UK companies are playing a leading role in the development of Azerbaijan’s oil and gas industry including the Baku Tbilisi Ceyhan pipeline project - which will provide a major export route for oil from the Caspian region to world markets.

'I thanked President Aliyev for his country's contribution to the multinational force in Iraq, and in Afghanistan and Kosovo.

'I assured President Aliyev of our support for efforts to find a peaceful, lasting settlement to the conflict in Nagorno Karabakh.'

Notes for Editors

2. Ilham Aliyev was elected President of Azerbaijan in October 2003.
4. President Aliyev's programme also includes calls on the Prime Minister and other senior members of the Government, and a conference on investment opportunities in the non-oil and gas sector in Azerbaijan, hosted by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

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Azerbaijan Country Profile

Further information

 

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Copyright 2009 Foreign & Commonwealth Office