Azerbaijan, Romania explore closer ties between cities, regions

Azerbaijani and Romanian officials have discussed developing ties between the Azerbaijani territories of Khankendi, Aghdara and Khojaly and the Romanian city of Cluj-Napoca.

The talks took place during a visit to Romania by a delegation led by Elchin Yusubov, Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in Khankendi and the Aghdara and Khojaly districts, Caliber.Az reports per domestic media.

Yusubov met Dan Stefan Tarcea, deputy mayor of Cluj-Napoca, Romania’s second-largest city, according to Azerbaijan’s embassy in Romania.

The sides discussed potential joint projects, investment opportunities and other areas of mutual interest. Tarcea also briefed the Azerbaijani delegation on major infrastructure and social projects in Cluj-Napoca, as well as the city’s development plans.

Yusubov spoke about reconstruction efforts in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories and the phased return of internally displaced people to their former homes.

He also said the peace process in the region had been initiated by Azerbaijan, highlighting what he described as important steps towards lasting peace and stability.

According to the Azerbaijani side, Yusubov said the normalisation of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, a peace agreement and greater regional cooperation could help strengthen trade and economic links between the South Caucasus and Europe, including Romania.

The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation, arrange reciprocal visits and expand the exchange of experience.

By Aghakazim Guliyev