Azerbaijani PM attends meeting of CIS Council of Heads of Government

Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov attended a meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), which was held via video conference on May 20.

The meeting included an exchange of views on issues on the agenda, Report informs.

Addressing the session, Asadov expressed confidence that the close contacts established over the years at various levels, as well as the positive experience of joint work, will continue to promote effective cooperation within the CIS.
It was noted that there are clear signs of economic recovery in the country. The growth of the economy in the first quarter of this year was 6.8%.

Asadov also drew the attention of the Council members to the post-conflict situation in the region. Noting that the current epidemiological situation in the world makes it possible to predict the imminent beginning of the post-pandemic period, the Prime Minister assessed the situation with COVID-19 in Azerbaijan as positive. Stressing the key role of the vaccination process in overcoming the pandemic, Asadov noted that Azerbaijan was one of the first countries to start vaccination at the beginning of 2021.

Pointing to the fact that Armenia has accepted the five basic principles put forward by the Azerbaijani side in connection with the peace agreement, the prime minister said: "These five principles are the basic principles of international law, consistent with the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act."

It was noted that Azerbaijan, showing maximum constructivism and goodwill, is ready for normalization of relations with Armenia, signing of a peace agreement, and delimitation of borders. It was brought to the attention of the members of the Council that Azerbaijan has already appointed the composition of its delegation on the elaboration of the peace agreement and the national commission on delimitation and demarcation of borders with Armenia.

At the same time, Asadov noted that Azerbaijan expects Armenia to fulfil in full the obligations undertaken within the framework of the trilateral statement of the leaders of Azerbaijan, Russia and Armenia.

The Azerbaijani side expressed concern that clause 4 of the trilateral statement of November 9/10, 2020, which envisages the withdrawal of the Armenian armed units from the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan, has not been implemented yet.

It was also noted that despite ongoing meetings in the trilateral working group, there has been no progress in unblocking the economic and transport links in the region in accordance with Clause 9 of the trilateral statement.

Asadov added that official Baku expects serious progress on both issues in the near future and believes it is necessary to take certain actions in this direction.

It was underlined that the opening of transport communications, and the creation of a wide network of transport routes, including the Zangazur corridor, meet the interests of all the countries in the region.

The members of the CIS Council of Heads of Governments were also informed of the large-scale works carried out for the restoration of the liberated lands, including the construction of roads and railroads, construction of international airports, and supplying these territories with electricity.

Asadov reassured participants of the meeting that Azerbaijan would further contribute to strengthening peace and prosperity in the region.