''WE SHOULD IMPROVE COOPERATION BETWEEN TURKEY AND AZERBAIJAN''
BAKU - Turkish Environment & Forestry Minister Osman Pepe, who is on an official visit to Azerbaijan said on Thursday that Turkey and Azerbaijan should increase cooperation as a matter of friendship between the two countries.
Pepe met Azerbaijani Ecology and Natural Resources Minister Huseyngulu Bagirov.
Stating that there were significant changes in environment and world climate, Pepe said that living in a healthy environment was among basic human rights. Studies on forestation were speeded up in Turkey recently, Pepe underlined. He also added that cooperation between the two countries would conribute to the prosperity of both countries.
Bagirov, on the other nad, gave information about Azerbaijani Ecology and Natural Resources Ministry's activities.
Stating that there were some problems on fresh water, Bagirov said that some rivers, including Aras River of Turkey, was polluted in Armenia at great extent before reaching Azerbaijan. Bagirov noted that they were concerned to face serious problems in the near future.
He stressed that they could cooperate with Turkish companies on water treatment and fishery.
Pepe and Turkish businessmen accompanying him, met also Azerbaijani Economic Development Minister Farhad Aliyev, sources said.
Investment and cooperation opportunities were discussed in the meeting.
(EÖ-ULG) 08.07.2004