Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan receives Canada-Azerbaijan Interparliamentary Friendship Group

[ 18 Jun 2008 ] Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov has received Canada-Azerbaijan Interparliamentary Friendship Group headed by David Smith, Foreign Ministry’s press service told APA. Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said that the relations between Canada and Azerbaijan were developing on low rate and offered Canada to open embassy in our country. The Minister noted that Azerbaijan was the leader state in the region and played the role of a center in terms of relations with the region and the countries of Central Asia. Canadian parliamentarians highly appreciated Azerbaijan’s economic growth, social development and secular state building and underlined that there was a need to inform Canadian people of the achievements in the country and increase the interest of Canadian companies in doing business in Azerbaijan. Answering the questions about Nagorno Karabakh conflict Elmar Mammadyarov briefed about aggressive policy of Armenia against our country. He said that giving up aggressive policy and joining the regional cooperation meets the interests of Armenia, which has no access to the sea and has deprived itself of the regional projects. They also discussed exchange of experience and technology in the field of energy, prospects of cooperating in the field of agriculture, food safety, education and other spheres.

A Team of Canadian Scholars and Lawyers will be visiting Azerbaijan

The Canada-Azerbaijan Partnership Association-initiated project on cooperation, friendship and mutual understanding between Azerbaijan and Canada was welcomed by the Canadian government. Canada Fund set aside funds to implement the project in line with economic and political interests of both countries. In accordance with the project, a team of Canadian scholars and lawyers will visit Azerbaijan in the Spring 2007. The aim of the visit is to get familiarized with the economic, legal and political reforms in the country. The team will organize training programs on management, marketing, statistics, information for heads of Azerbaijan’s SMEs. The program also envisages technical assistance to some organizations. The project will be supported by the Canadian Embassy in Turkey.

Canada in Azerbaijan

November, 2002 - Canada's Secratary of State for Eastern Europe and the Middle East, Gar Knutson visits School No. 34 in Baku, Azerbaijan, as part of a trip to the three countries of the South Caucasus: Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia. Mr. Knutson spent a day and a half in each country, meeting officials including the three Heads of State and representatives from intenational organizations and civil society groups.

Canadian companies to invest Azerbaijan economy

15/11/2002

Canadian state secretary, who was in Baku with official visit, Gar Knutson hold consultation with Canadian businessmen after returning to home land. On November 12 president Heydar Aliyev, in the meeting with Canadian state secretary for Eastern Europe and Central Asia Gar Knutson, discussed issues related to development of Azerbaijan-Canada relationships.

Having greeted guests, Heydar Aliyev said, he favors Azerbaijan-Canada relations extending. However, cooperation potential is not used fully, though "good conditions have been created" for Canadian business in Azerbaijan - Heydar Aliyev stressed. To his mind, Canada both as great state and OSCE member can give its recommendations for supplying peace and stability in south Caucasus. In reply word, mister Knutson said that his country is interested in cooperation with Azerbaijan in trade-economy and energy spheres. Besides it, Ottawa also attaches a great importance to political relations with Baku.

Touching upon Karabagh settlement, Canadian diplomat said that to the extent of Baku-Tbilisi- Jeyhan oil pipeline realization and economic prosperity of the region this conflict would be settled. Canadian ambassador to Turkey Michael Lair also participated in the meeting. One of these days he would present his credential to Heydar Aliyev as Canadian ambassador to Azerbaijan. Same day SOCAR first vice president, deputy of Milli Majlis (Azerbaijan parliament) Ilham Aliyev met delegation, led by G. Knutson, as well. Greeting guests, Ilham Aliyev informed them about being realized economic reforms and democratic changes. He stressed, since gaining independence, Azerbaijan is one of the countries of CIS spaces, which extends its gross domestic product (GDP) yearly. In turn, Canadian state secretary said that Canada is familiar with Azerbaijan success. He said that some companies and corporations of his country are ready to invest Azerbaijan economy: "We know a good legislative base established in your country for investment protection and our cooperation would give an impetus for development and strengthening of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Canada".

After returning to homeland, Mr.Knutson would have consultations with Canadian businessmen concerning Azerbaijan economic potential. To his mind, not only oil- gas industry but also agrarian sphere, including cattle breeding, can be invested. Knutson also said that Canada is interested in Azerbaijan technology and traffic infrastructure development as well. Besides it, Ottawa is also ready to share with its experience in municipality area.

CANADA ATTACHES IMPORTANCE TO DEVELOPMENT OF LINKS WITH AZERBAIJAN

March 2004

Director General of Canadian Foreign Ministry's Bureau on Southeastern Europe David Preston has met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Vilayat Guliyev.

During the meeting, Minister Vilayat Guliyev noted that the visit would be very useful for strengthening friendly relations and business contacts between Azerbaijan and Canada, and expressed deep confidence of its positive impact on the perspectives of cooperation between the two countries. He said he was a supporter of expanding Canada-Azerbaijan relations in all spheres, and continuation of the countries' cooperation in the international organizations.

According Mr. David Preston said the goal of the visit was to exchange views concerning expansion of the relations between Azerbaijan and Canada in various spheres, and stressed his country attached importance to the development of mutually beneficial links and closer cooperation in the frameworks of the international organizations.

The parties have also discussed a number of other issues of mutual interest.