President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev greeted the German Chancellor and the distinguished guests in Azerbaijan.
“We attach very big importance to your visit,” Ilham Aliyev said. “I am sure that the visit will be very successful and German-Azerbaijani relations will continue to develop successfully. We have met several times with you, we maintain active political dialogue, and I am very glad that you are in Azerbaijan today. This is a historic visit.”
“Our bilateral agenda is very broad and covers such issues as political and economic relations, trade relations, regional issues – all these issues will be discussed today,” he said. “I am confident that your visit will give a new impetus to our relations. Welcome once again.”
In turn, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that she is very glad to be in Azerbaijan.
“We have already met several times,” she said. “But it's for the first time that I am visiting this country. Our relations are multifaceted. We have repeatedly met within international organizations, on the sidelines of international meetings, and I think that this visit will provide a fresh impetus to our relations.”
“We can also expand our relations in the field of culture,” she noted. “Two hundred years pass since the establishment of the first German colony in Azerbaijan. Some people are not even aware of this fact. We can enhance our economic relations. Azerbaijan is Germany's largest trade partner in this region.”
“We will probably touch upon some critical points,” she said. “This is human rights and humanitarian situation. We will also talk about a problem which severely impedes this region. This is the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and Germany wants to support its solution.”
Then, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev hosted dinner in honor of German Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel.
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An official welcome ceremony has been held for German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is on a visit in Azerbaijan.
A guard of honor was arranged for the German Chancellor in the square decorated with the national flags of the two countries.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev welcomed German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
The chief of the guard of honor reported to the German Chancellor.
President Ilham Aliyev and Chancellor Angela Merkel reviewed the guard of honor.
The German Chancellor saluted the Azerbaijani soldiers.
Then the state anthems of Germany and Azerbaijan were played.
State and government officials of Azerbaijan were introduced to Chancellor Angela Merkel, and members of the German delegation were introduced to President Ilham Aliyev.
The guard of honor marched in front of the two leaders to the accompaniment of a military march. The president and the chancellor then posed for official photos.
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German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrived in Azerbaijan on August 25.
Ceremonial troops were lined up at the Heydar Aliyev International Airport in honor of the guest.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel was met at the airport by First Deputy Prime Minister Yagub Eyyubov, Deputy Foreign Minister Khalaf Khalafov and other officials.
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