ANKARA - Friendship between Turkey and Azerbaijan was important for influence of two countries on regional issues and developments, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said on Thursday.
Aliyev, who is paying an official visit to Turkey, told reporters that he held high-level bilateral meetings in Turkish capital Ankara and stressed friendship and cooperation of two countries.
Friendship between Turkey and Azerbaijan was important for regional cooperation, Aliyev stated.
Aliyev said that friendship between Turkey and Azerbaijan was important for influence of two countries on regional issues and developments.
Noting that he had fruitful meetings in Ankara, Aliyev said that it was an honor for him to address deputies at the Turkish parliament.
Aliyev stressed that relationship between Turkey and Azerbaijan had gradually improved after Azerbaijan gained its independence.
Two countries which had historical and cultural unity followed the same policy towards regional issues, Aliyev said.
Aliyev came to Turkey for an official visit on Tuesday. Azerbaijani President Aliyev was welcomed by Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer by an official ceremony the same day.
Prior to their joint press conference, Sezer and Aliyev signed joint statement between Turkey and Azerbaijan.
Turkish and Azerbaijani officials signed a cooperation protocol on civil aviation, cultural cooperation protocol, agreement on protection of industrial ownership, agreement on cooperation in customs, agreement on long-term economic cooperation.
Sezer hosted dinner in honor of Aliyev on Tuesday evening.
Aliyev visited Turkish Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc and met with Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul on Wednesday. He also addressed Turkish deputies at the parliament the same day.
(BRC-AY) 15.04.2004