(MENAFN- AzerNews)
Sabina Mammadli read more Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Khalaf Khalafov and his
Italian counterpart Edmondo Chirielli held the next round of
political consultations, Azernews reports per the
foreign ministry.
The parties discussed the multidimensional strategic partnership
between the two countries based on traditional friendship and
mutual trust and the prospects of its strengthening, as well as the
possibilities of expanding relations in politics, trade-economic,
energy, defense and security, transport, logistics, humanitarian,
culture, and education spheres.
Furthermore, Khalafov emphasized that the continuation of
high-level political dialogue in recent years, the visits of
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to Italy, and Italian President
Sergio Mattarella to Azerbaijan played a special role in ensuring
the current high level of relations.
Besides, the diplomats stressed the importance of the Joint
Declaration on strengthening the Multidimensional strategic
partnership signed between the two countries in 2020, as well as
the signed documents on cooperation in various fields.
During the meeting, Khalafov drew attention to the new realities
that have arisen in the region in the post-war period, the
establishment of lasting peace and stability, the reconstruction
and restoration works carried out in the liberated territories, and
the active participation of Italian companies in these projects
which is a clear example of friendship.
The deputy minister also highlighted the necessity to sign a
peace treaty between the two countries, delimit state borders and
open communications, and noted that Armenia's non-constructive
position and non-fulfillment of its obligations pose a threat to
peacebuilding in the South Caucasus.
In turn, Chirielli noted that the rise of bilateral relations to
the current level was possible thanks to the political will of the
Azerbaijani president. He also added that Azerbaijan has been an
important energy supplier for Italy for many years and that
Azerbaijan's role in Italy's energy security has increased even
more after the launching of the Southern Gas Corridor and the Trans
Adriatic gas pipeline.
He emphasized that numerous Italian companies have been
successfully operating in Azerbaijan for many years, noting the
importance of the projects implemented by the two countries in
ensuring cooperation and development in the region and beyond.
The Italian official also commanded Azerbaijan's efforts toward
the establishment of peace in the region. Noting the importance of
ensuring sustainable peace in the South Caucasus, he stressed that
Italy is ready to make appropriate contributions in this
regard.
During the political consultations, satisfaction was expressed
with the humanitarian cooperation between the two countries, and
the crucial role of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation was emphasized.
The importance of the establishment of the Italy-Azerbaijan
University in Baku and the opening of the Azerbaijan Cultural
Center in Rome in the diversification of bilateral partnership was
noted.
The diplomatic relations between the two countries were
established on May 8, 1992. Italy opened its first embassy in the
South Caucasus in Azerbaijan in 1997 and the embassy of Azerbaijan
in Italy has been functioning since 2003.
Italy was one of the first countries to express support for
Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, as well as an interest in
participating in restoration efforts in Azerbaijan's liberated
territories.
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Sabina Mammadli is AzerNews' staff journalist, follow her on
Twitter: @sabinammdl