Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov, who is on an official visit to Sri Lanka, called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees this evening and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation yesterday.
Minister Mammadyarov praised the progress Sri Lanka has made since the end of war and said his country has great respect for President Rajapaksa for ending the war, which he described as a "really great achievement".
During the discussion, Azerbaijan Foreign Minister told President Rajapaksa that his country stands "on the same line on international issues" with Sri Lanka.
Mammadyarov also met with his Sri Lankan counterpart, External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris, who welcomed the Azerbaijani delegation to the country.
Minister Peiris, hailing the high level political relations between the two countries, has noted the importance of the relationship which also covers spheres such as economy, trade, mutual investments, energy and tourism.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister has agreed that there is large potential to expand bilateral cooperation across many spheres, especially in tea production with Sri Lanka's expertise in the sector. He has also underlined opportunities to cooperate in culture, energy, tourism and sea transport.
Sri Lanka's External Affairs Minister has noted that Sri Lanka may benefit from the rich experience and historic traditions of Azerbaijan in energy production.
During the meeting the two ministers have also discussed ways to strengthen legal framework for bilateral cooperation and prospects of close cooperation at international organizations, in particular the UN and the Non-Aligned Movement.
Professor Peiris thanked his counterpart for the support extended by Azerbaijan to Sri Lanka at the United Nations as well as in the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC), of which Azerbaijan is a member.
Prof. Peiris has suggested considering the feasibility of direct air links between Colombo and Baku. Officials from the two sides have recently negotiated the draft Air Services Agreement between the two countries. During the negotiations, frequencies were offered for both the Bandaranaike International Airport and the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport.
Discussing the trade, especially in tea, gems and apparel, the two sides have agreed to put in place a practical strategy for closer collaboration between the trade chambers of the two countries as a catalyst to enhance bilateral trade relations.
A Protocol on Cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan and Ministry of External Affairs of Sri Lanka was signed during the meeting.
Azerbaijan's non-resident ambassador to Sri Lanka, Ibrahim Hajiyev, also joined the discussion with President Rajapaksa while External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris and Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga were also present.
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