CANBEERA: Azerbaijan and Australia have discussed ways to boost the ties as country’s Chargé d’Affaires in Australia Eljan Habibzade and Honorary Consul in Australia Aydan Rzayeva met with Minister for International Development and the Pacific of the country Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, on June 2. The Australian minister was informed about the political and economic successes of Azerbaijan, projects implemented in the fields of energy, transport and others. The Azerbaijani officials touched upon the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and thanked for the fair position of Australia in supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. In turn, Ferravanti-Wells once again stressed the unchanged position of the Australian government. She also expressed great interest in expanding relations with Azerbaijan in political and trade-economic areas, underlining the importance of developing inter-parliamentary cooperation, which is an important component of interstate relations. The sides also discussed prospects for cooperation in the non-oil sector, which is one of the priorities of Azerbaijan’s economic policy. They stressed the need to develop cooperation in such areas as agriculture, tourism, IT and the use of Australia’s experience in these areas.
Ferravanti-Wells noted that as the former Deputy Minister for Multicultural Affairs, she understands the importance of promoting multicultural values in the current world conditions and supported Azerbaijan’s efforts in this direction. They noted that this year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Australia and Azerbaijan, as well as the importance of mutual visits for strengthening relations and developing cooperation. The Commonwealth of Australia recognized the independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan on December 26, 1991. Diplomatic relations between two countries have been established on June 19, 1992. Azerbaijan exports crude oil to Australia. Butter is imported from Australia. The trade turnover of the Republic of Azerbaijan with the Commonwealth of Australia amounted to $7.83 million, including imports $7.57 million, exports $0.26 million during January-September, 2015.
