FMs assemble in Baku for important discussions

The trilateral meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Turkey held in Baku on July 19 touched upon both political and economic issues.

Prior to the meeting President Ilham Aliyev received Turkish FM Mevlut Cavusoglu, highlighting the importance of the meeting. He expressed his confidence that they will discuss important issues and appropriate decisions aimed at developing the trilateral cooperation will be made.

The president noted that the Turkish FM's visit to Azerbaijan once again paves the way for discussion of issues relating to bilateral relationship.

President Aliyev also received Turkmen FM Rashid Meredov, saying that his visit to the country will create good opportunities for discussing the development of bilateral relations.

The head of state noted that Azerbaijan attaches great importance to brotherly relations with Turkmenistan and is interested in expanding the bilateral ties in all areas. “This is necessitated by the historical ties between our two nations and today’s realities. We see such an attitude from the Turkmen side as well,” the president said.

President Aliyev touched upon a meeting of the ministers describing it as a good cooperation format, highlighting its importance in terms of discussing trilateral relations and regional issues.

Meredov, for his part, said that today the relations between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan are actively developing and this development dynamics is based on open, frank and friendly political contacts of the two heads of state.

The fourth edition of the meeting included the issues of developing cooperation in the political, economic, energy, transport and humanitarian spheres and implementing regional projects.

Baku declaration was signed following the trilateral meeting of the ministers.

Foreign Ministers focused on preparations for a summit of the presidents to be held in Ashgabat till late 2017.

They agreed to develop a Road Map for Future Cooperation for 20172020.

“We had fruitful and interesting negotiations. The three countries are carrying out numerous regional projects and we have discussed the progress in their implementation,” said Mammadyarov.

He noted that the project for building the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway will be completed by the end of 2017, and subsequently great opportunities for cooperation will emerge.

Azerbaijan, Turkey and Turkmenistan also intend to use other ways for cargo transportation, via trunk lines and sea routes as well, Mammadyarov said.

“Next year, the work will be completed on expansion of the port in Turkmenbashi, which will increase cargo transportation between the ports of Alat and Turkmenbashi up to 25 million tons per year,” he said.

In turn, Meredov said that Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Turkey have great desire to develop strong cooperation in a trilateral format.

The Turkmen FM noted that the parties wish to particularly develop cooperation in political sphere, energy, trade and expand cultural ties.