Aliyev, Putin discuss Garabagh conflict
AzerNews
16 June 05
Presidents of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and of Russia Vladimir Putin
met in St. Petersburg, the second largest city of Russia, on Tuesday.
The two discussed the recent steps at settling the Armenia-Azerbaijan
conflict over Upper Garabagh and Russia’s position on the issue, along
with regional and international issues. The details of the meeting,
held within the 9th International Economic Forum, are not disclosed.
Addressing the event, President Aliyev said investments in Azerbaijan’s
economy have made up $24 billion over the past 10 years.
The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to grow 18% this year,
the highest growth in the region, according to the International
Monetary Fund estimates.
The average economic growth from 1996 till 2004 exceeded 10%, the
President said.
“GDP doubled in this period. We are currently at a stage of rapid
economic growth.”
Touching upon the socio-economic development of the regions, Aliyev
said 217,000 jobs opened in Azerbaijan in recent years and poverty went
down by 9%. With regard to economic projects ensuring the country’s
international integration, the President said that 400 companies
operate in Azerbaijan with Russian capital.
“Russia and Azerbaijan possess the needed potential for the development
of economic ties.”
Aliyev added that Russo-Azeri relations will continue as part of
strategic partnership and that he supports fostering a new stage in
cooperation between the two countries.
The participants are also expected to discuss economic policy, future
investments, inventions, cutting-edge technologies, infrastructure
changes, and prospects for developing mineral resources and raw
materials. Roundtables and exhibitions will be held and attended
by officials and businessmen from some 50 countries as well as
representatives of international financial institutions.
The 90-member Azerbaijani delegation, led by President Ilham Aliyev,
includes businesspeople engaged in production, construction,
agriculture, chemistry and finance, and government dignitaries.
A Russo-Azeri business forum and an exhibition of Azerbaijani goods
will be held within the 3-day forum.