Belarusian envoy hails expanding strategic ties with Azerbaijan

Belarus and Azerbaijan continue to strengthen strategic partnership by expanding political dialogue, economic cooperation and humanitarian ties, Belarusian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Dmitry Pinevich said during a reception marking Belarus' Independence Day.

Pinevich said bilateral relations have continued to develop dynamically under the leadership of President Aleksandr Lukashenko and President Ilham Aliyev, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

"The strategic partnership between our countries is growing stronger. Political dialogue, humanitarian ties and direct regional contacts continue to expand, as reflected in increasing bilateral trade and the growing number of joint projects," the diplomat said.

Pinevich noted that over the past year, the two countries had exchanged visits by their prime ministers, deputy prime ministers, co-chairs of the intergovernmental commission, heads of ministries and government agencies, as well as approximately 40 reciprocal visits by business representatives.

He said joint Belarusian-Azerbaijani projects are being implemented across several regions of Azerbaijan, including Baku, Ganja, Sumgayit, Gabala, Aghdam, Khankandi and the wider Karabakh region.

The ambassador also highlighted the participation of a high-level Belarusian delegation in the World Urban Forum 13 and congratulated Azerbaijan on the successful organization of the international event.

"We thank Azerbaijan for its support and hospitality. I am confident that the entire diplomatic corps shares the high appreciation for the excellent organization of the forum," he said.

Pinevich expressed special appreciation to Azerbaijan's Deputy Prime Minister Samir Sharifov, co-chair of the Belarus-Azerbaijan Intergovernmental Commission, noting that two commission meetings held in Baku and Minsk since July last year had demonstrated the effectiveness of the bilateral cooperation mechanism.

He also thanked the leadership and staff of Azerbaijan's Presidential Administration, the Cabinet of Ministers, the Milli Majlis, state institutions, representatives of the business community, educational and cultural organizations, the media and the diplomatic corps for their contribution to strengthening Belarusian-Azerbaijani relations.

Concluding his remarks, Pinevich congratulated Azerbaijan on Armed Forces Day, observed annually on June 26, and expressed confidence that Belarus and Azerbaijan would continue their productive cooperation in the interests of preserving regional peace and security.

By Vafa Guliyeva