Azerbaijan aims to increase trade turnover with Qatar

“Simplified visa system for Qatari citizens has contributed towards increasing the number of Qataris visiting Azerbaijan,” Azerbaijani Ambassador to Qatar Rashad Ismayilov said.

Report informs citing the Gulf Times that that he spoke at an event dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in Doha.

"On 25 years of diplomatic ties with Qatar, he said the two countries have a relationship built on solid common values in all fields, which is a true reflection of the strong human, cultural and economic links between our countries," Ismaylov said.

Azerbaijan and Qatar are seeking to develop co-operation in all political and economic fields, he stressed. The official visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to Azerbaijan in 2016 and the official visit of Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev to Qatar in 2017 launched a new era of bilateral relations between the two countries, which would contribute to building a larger network of relations in the fields of interest in order to serve the cause of development in both countries, it was observed.

A number of bilateral agreements and memorandums of understanding between the two governments were signed during these visits, including the formation of a joint economic, trade and technical committee to build the basis for economic and trade relations.

The ambassador noted that personal contacts between the political leaders of the two countries have played a positive role in the strengthening of bilateral relations.

"Ties established between the two countries are based on the principle of mutual respect that has a positive influence on the development of co-operation between them in all fields and serve the interests of both countries in the regional and international context,” he noted.

Further, he pointed out that “one of the most important goals for the near future should be an increase in trade, and there are good opportunities for this”.

Ismayilov said the simplified visa system for Qatari citizens has contributed towards increasing the number of Qataris visiting Azerbaijan. Besides, after launching direct flights to Baku, Qatar Airways has played an important role in establishing a bridge between the people of Azerbaijan and Qatar.

Notably, the event dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Baku and Doha was attended by HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr Mohamed Abdul Wahed Ali al-Hammadi, HE the Minister of Municipality and Environment Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie, etc.