Joint Press Statement by Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People`s Democratic Republic, Saleumxay Kommasith

Baku, June 19, 2017

On June 18-20, 2017 Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People`s Democratic Republic, Saleumxay Kommasith is on official visit to Azerbaijan. During his official visit to Azerbaijan Minister Saleumxay Kommasith was received by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, H.E. Mr. Ilham Aliyev and met with the Prime Minister, Artur Rasi-zade and Speaker of the Milli Majlis, Ogtay Asadov.

Minister Saleumxay Kommasith visited the Alley of Honors to lay a wreath at the tomb of National Leader Heydar Aliyev. Visiting Alley of Martyrs Minister Saleumxay Kommasith paid tribute to the memory of martyrs and laid a wreath at the “Eternal Fire” Memorial. 

During the visit Foreign Ministers Elmar Mammadyarov and Saleumxay Kommasith had a tete-a-tete and extended meeting with the participation of delegations.

Ministers emphasized the importance of renewal and further development of cooperation in all spheres. In this context, they noted the significance of exchange of high level visits in order to promote bilateral relations and cooperation. In this regard, Elmar Mammadyarov pointed out that the visit paid by Saleumxay Kommasith is the first ever official visit between Azerbaijan and Laos and expressed his assurance that the visit would contribute to the development of bilateral relations in all spheres.

They also noted the significant role of parliamentary diplomacy in advancing bilateral relations and talked about the establishment of Friendship Group in legislative bodies.

Furthermore, both sides had a comprehensive discussion on perspective areas of bilateral relations and said that there are wide ranges of cooperation opportunities in the field of economy. They shared thoughts about the establishment of direct contacts between business communities and holding business Forums for defining those opportunities. Ministers also exchanged views on development of bilateral legal-treaty base.

They also stressed the importance of enhancement of successful cooperation in human resource development, particularly in the field of education and continuation of exchange of students and researchers based on the traditions since the Soviet times. 

Ministers also exchanged views on regional and international issues as well as touched upon the importance of cooperation between two countries in framework of international institutions, including the UN and NAM.

Minister Elmar Mammadyarov informed his counterpart about Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and its consequences. Ministers stated support to peaceful settlement of conflict in accordance with the norms and principles of international law and relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council, based on the sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of recognized borders.

During the visit, both sided have concluded an Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Lao People`s Democratic Republic on Exemption from visa requirement for holders of diplomatic passports.