Ukrainian MP: Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Ukraine increased by 12 times

During the presidency of Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan remains a politically and economically stable state and attracts European partners, Ukrainian MP Valeriy Viktorovich Kolyokh told Report.

According to him, the implementation of TANAP and TAP is an excellent example of Azerbaijan's national interests: "In general, under the leadership of Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has become an important energy exporter not only in the region but also in Europe. As Europe seeks to diversify energy imports, Azerbaijan is becoming an important element in the implementation of these plans."

The MP stressed that Azerbaijan and Ukraine have excellent political and economic relations: "The trade turnover in 2020 made up $665.3 million, while it was $53.7 million in 2001. During the past 20 years, the trade turnover increased by 12 times. We have the potential to increase this figure more."

Kolyokh noted that Ukraine's national security strategy clearly confirms Azerbaijan's status as a strategic partner: "Only 5 out of 193 UN member states have this status. Azerbaijan's being among Ukraine's strategic partners speaks volumes. Compared to previous years, the political relations between Ukraine and Azerbaijan are at a high level now. It is worth mentioning the meeting of Zelensky and Aliyev in Baku in December 2019. The parliamentary group of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on inter-parliamentary relations with Azerbaijan and the Working Group on Azerbaijan-Ukraine interparliamentary relations should also be mentioned.

He said that Ukraine is closely following Azerbaijan's reforms: "Azerbaijan is able to maintain political, economic and social stability while conducting personnel, tax, pension, and other reforms. Azerbaijan pursues its interests, taking into account all possible risks based on thoughtful planning. In such a case, reforms do not threaten social stability, but strengthen it."