Azerbaijan hailed as close friend of Belarus

Azerbaijan is not just a partner but a close friend of Belarus, Chairwoman of the Council of the Republic Natalya Kochanova said as she met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to Belarus Ulvi Bakhshaliyev in Minsk, BelTA has learned.

"For us, Azerbaijan is not just a partner, but a close friend. We maintain friendly relations, economic, political and humanitarian ties. This cooperation is very important for us, because we feel the support of Azerbaijan in international organizations at all levels. This is what true partners and true friends do. In many respects, such good relations between our countries have developed thanks to our presidents,” Natalya Kochanova said.

The speaker noted that an intensive political dialogue is underway between Belarus and Azerbaijan. "In this difficult time, relations between our countries should be even closer and more fruitful. We welcome the work of the inter-parliamentary working group. Of course, the interaction between MPs should be even closer. Our contacts should be more effective, and, I think, the resumption of meetings and parliamentary visits to Azerbaijan and Belarus will contribute to this. We have found full mutual understanding of the ongoing processes. We support each other and will do everything to advance our cooperation. The trade picked up good pace, amounting to $442 million in January-October 2021," the speaker noted.

Natalya Kochanova stated that Belarus seeks a fruitful and constructive dialogue with the MPs of Azerbaijan. "We will be glad to host the speaker of the Azerbaijani parliament in Belarus, the delegations of our fellow parliamentarians," she added.