The Bulgarian Head of State and Ilham Aliyev agreed to open a direct air flight line between Sofia and Baku
“Energy is the sector which will connect us for many years ahead and Bulgaria confirms its support for the construction of the South Gas Corridor, in the implementation of which Azerbaijan plays a key role. Thus a real diversification of gas sources and routes in South and Central Europe will be ensured.” These were the words of Head of State Rumen Radev, who is on an official visit to Azerbaijan at the invitation of his counterpart President Ilham Aliyev. 2017 marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
We reiterated our mutual interest in the development of the transport and gas corridors between Asia and Europe, where Bulgaria and Azerbaijan have a strategic location and we have to derive all benefits from this fact, President Radev emphasized at the joint statements made with President Aliyev.
Ilham Aliyev, for his part, highlighted the importance of improving the cooperation between the two countries in the energy sector. “The South Gas Corridor, which connects the two countries, is a big transnational gas project and in financial terms it is worth 40 billion dollars. Seven countries take part in it. Gas will flow to Bulgaria from the Shah Deniz 2 gas deposit in Azerbaijan,” Ilham Aliyev emphasized and added that when Azerbaijani gas enters the Bulgarian market, this will open up new horizons for cooperation between the two countries. Ilham Aliyev voiced Azerbaijan’s interest in taking part, through its companies, in Bulgaria’s gasification.
“We are taking practical steps in implementing the planned good basis in the Joint declaration for strategic partnership signed two years ago, which provides the opportunity for development in all spheres of mutual interest,” the Bulgarian Head of State further said.
“The good news is that Azerbaijan’s leadership intends to open a direct air flight line between Sofia and Baku on 1 January 2018, when Bulgaria will take over the Presidency of the Council of the EU. The Republic of Bulgaria confirms its support for Azerbaijan with regard to the new Comprehensive agreement with the EU,” President Radev said.
The Azerbaijani President said that soon the new railway Baku-Tbilisi-Kars will start operating and voiced hope that Bulgaria will actively participate in this project because the countries located along the line will get extra opportunities.
During the statements the Bulgarian Head of State was adamant that Bulgaria supports the EU’s efforts with regard to the Eastern Partnership and its efforts to make the region stable, safe and prospering.
In the past years the bilateral ties in the sphere of education, science and culture have been active, Rumen Radev further said and thanked President Aliyev for the financial aid provided by the Heydar Aliyev foundation for socialization, restoration and conservation of the Trapezitsa fortress in Veliko Turnovo.
Ilham Aliyev, for his part, pointed out that the two countries should cooperate in the spheres of agriculture and education.
“As for security, I invited the Republic of Azerbaijan to take part in the training programmes of the Bulgarian universities, and in those of the G.S. Rakovski Military Academy in particular, the Bulgarian President emphasized and added that Bulgaria is a center of stability in the Balkans and in the Black Sea region.
The Bulgarian President’s visit started with an official welcome ceremony in the Zagulba residence, where together with the Azerbaijani President they greeted the Guard of Honor. The two held a private meeting after which they led the plenary talks between the official delegations of the two countries.
In Baku Rumen Radev laid wreathes in front of Heydar Aliyev’s monument and the Alley of Martyrs.
Within his visit, President Radev held a meeting with the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Artur Rasizade and with Parliament deputy-speaker Ziyafet Asgarov.
Later Rumen Radev visited and got acquainted with the activity of the Heydar Aliyev cultural center, a masterpiece of the world-famous architect Zaha Hadid. There is a museum, a library, conference halls and halls for cultural events in the building.