The diplomat noted that Azerbaijan highly appreciates the position of Qatar in connection with the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan.  

“In the framework of international organizations, particularly in the UN and OIC, Qatar stands by Azerbaijan in adoption of the resolutions that demand liberation of occupied territories of Azerbaijan which still under occupation of Armenia. All these factors indicate that the political and economic relations between the two countries are developing successfully and that the foundation for deeper cooperation in the future has been established,” he said.

The deputy minister expressed confidence that the reliable political and economic cooperation established between Azerbaijan and Qatar during last 25 years will ensure successful development of future cooperation.

“Both sides are interested in the development of economic partnership, including investment, trade and tourism cooperation, in the light of existing high-level political relations between the countries. The agreements signed by the sides on economic cooperation, protection and promotion of investments and the elimination of double taxation, which are fundamental agreements on economic cooperation between the two countries, will facilitate further deepening of mutual cooperation in this area. At the same time, the transport and communication corridors established on the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan can encourage mutually beneficial cooperation with Qatar on the South-North and South-West routes,” he added.

Mammad-Guliyev pointed out that 32 agreements and memorandums of understanding have been signed Azerbaijan and Qatar covering different areas of cooperation.

“These agreements include cooperation in all promising areas. Currently, the two countries are working on draft agreements that will cover cooperation in the fields of food security, customs, tourism and business, veterinary and visa facilitation for short term stay,” he said.

The diplomat underscored the need for special attention to the issue of trade. “I think there is potential for increasing trade in both directions, because we can offer more to each other now. I am glad that the number of tourists from your country is growing, and this is a good sign of our cooperation. As you know, we have facilitated visa requirement for your citizens, and I am sure that we will see an increase in the number of tourists in both directions,” Mammad-Guliyev added.

He noted that another potential area for cooperation is investment.

“I know that your country, like Azerbaijan, invests abroad, we can find areas for joint investment projects. Therefore, I think we have many areas to focus on. The meetings of the Intergovernmental Economic Commission need to be organized regularly and we also need to focus on the realization of the outcomes of these meetings reflected in the protocols of these meetings,” the deputy minister concluded. 

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