13 February 2023 19:35

On 13 February, Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov met with Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy of the Italian Republic Adolfo Urso, who is on a visit to our country.

Minister Jeyhun Bayramov expressed satisfaction with the development of bilateral relations, which have risen to the level of multidimensional strategic partnership, and emphasized that the high-level and top-level mutual visits between Azerbaijan and Italy, including the visit of President of Italy Sergio Mattarella to our country in 2018, the visits of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to Italy in 2020 and 2022, as well as other high-level visits, played an important role in further strengthening this strategic partnership.

Speaking about the strong political ties between the two countries, Minister Jeyhun Bayramov stated that projects implemented in the oil and gas sector and currently in the electric power sector play a fundamental role in these relations. Noting that the laying of the foundation of a new 1280 MW Thermal Power Plant in the city of Mingachevir today is an important event, the Minister pointed out that the project is important from the point of view of further expanding Italy-Azerbaijan friendship.

At the meeting, the existence of effective cooperation relations between Azerbaijan and Italy in the economic field was expressed, and in this regard, it was noted that Italy is Azerbaijan’s largest trade partner, while Azerbaijan is one of Italy’s largest energy suppliers. The importance of the Southern Gas Corridor and its component, the TAP gas pipeline, in expanding cooperation in the energy field was emphasized.

Touching upon cooperation issues between the two countries in the field of education, Minister Jeyhun Bayramov spoke about the importance of the Italy-Azerbaijan University, the foundation of which was laid last year within the framework of the visit of former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy Luigi Di Maio to our country. In this regard, it was highlighted that the process of constructing the Italy-Azerbaijan University is continuing rapidly.

Minister Jeyhun Bayramov also provided the other side with detailed information about the restoration and reconstruction works carried out in the post-conflict period after the Patriotic War, the normalization and peace process with Armenia, and expressed deep gratitude for Italy’s support for Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Detailed information was provided on Armenia’s occupation activities during the 30-year occupation period, as well as the obstacles it has created to the peace process in the post-conflict period.

Emphasizing that Italy is one of the countries actively participating in restoration and reconstruction works in the liberated territories, the Minister expressed satisfaction that the projects considered most important for our country have been entrusted precisely to Italian companies.

For his part, Minister Adolfo Urso recalled with satisfaction his visits to our country, including his visit to Azerbaijan, as well as to the liberated territories, as part of the Italian parliamentary delegation after the end of the Patriotic War. Noting the importance of strategic dialogue and cooperation between Azerbaijan and Italy, A. Urso expressed confidence that there are broad prospects for cooperation between the two countries.

At the meeting, the sides conducted an exchange of views on renewable energy, agricultural machinery, pharmaceutical industry, culture and other areas of mutual interest.