Assa-Irada,
22, May 2008

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev visiting Ukraine met with his counterpart Viktor Yushchenko on Thursday for talks on cooperation in the energy, military and humanitarian fields.

The two leaders discussed ways of stepping up military-technical collaboration and training of Azerbaijani servicemen in Ukraine's higher military schools.

Yushchenko cited a high level of bilateral relations that have been expanding at a particularly high pace in recent years.

"We highly value our relations on the state, inter-governmental and human level," he said.

Yushchenko highlighted positive dynamics in the development of business relations between Azerbaijan and Ukraine. He noted that the commodities turnover between the two countries grew 43 per cent in 2007.

The two leaders signed seven documents in conclusion of the talks. Presidents Viktor Yushchenko and Ilham Aliyev inked a declaration on friendship and strategic partnership. They also founded a council of Azerbaijani and Ukrainian presidents and signed its by-laws.

Azerbaijan and Ukraine signed inter-governmental agreements on cooperation in the fields of information technologies and the development of state service. Moreover, the two countries' respective ministries adopted a program for 2008-2009 on collaboration in the area of policy on youth and sports as well as a protocol between the ministries of culture and tourism for 2008-2012.

Ukraine's State Commission on Securities and Stock Markets and the Azerbaijan State Committee on Securities signed a memorandum of understanding.

During the meeting, the Ukrainian leader awarded President Aliyev his country's highest award, Knyaz Yaroslav Mudri Order, for his contribution to the strengthening of bilateral relations. Aliyev, in turn, presented to his counterpart Azerbaijan's high award, the Heydar Aliyev Order.

The heads of state told a news conference that Azerbaijan's investment in the Ukrainian economy, and the energy sector in particular, was high on agenda during the talks. "We want our cooperation with Azerbaijan to further expand and benefit both sides, and for Azerbaijani business to have an advanced infrastructure in Ukraine. I am confident that the conducive business climate here will draw the interest of Azerbaijani businessmen," Yushchenko said.

President Aliyev said Azerbaijan had vast opportunities to invest abroad. He emphasized that there was favorable investment climate in both countries, therefore, no problems emerge with the placement of funds. "We have invested a total of $2.5 billion in oil and gas pipeline projects. From this standpoint, Ukraine's energy sector is of particular importance. The issue has been discussed on the level of working groups as well. I am confident that after the taskforce finalizes work, the process will begin."

On the same day, the Azerbaijani leader was to meet with Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliya Timoshenko and Parliament Chairman Arseny Yatsenyuk. He is also expected to visit the Kiev University named after the prominent Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko where he will be granted the title of honorary doctor.