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Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Azerbaijan: President of Czech Republic is expected to visit Azerbaijan next spring

21 October 2010 16:10 (UTC +04:00)

- How has the opening of the embassy of Czech Republic in Azerbaijan influenced the development of bilateral relations?

- First of all, the opening of the embassy proves that the Czech Republic is interested in the development and expansion of the relations with Azerbaijan, regards Azerbaijan as an important player and serious, reliable partner in the region. Secondly, the existence of the embassy is very important for creating necessary conditions for entrepreneurs, establishing and expanding relations in culture, science and education. The opening of the embassy has given an impetus to the establishment of the legal basis or improvement of our relations. Thirdly, the consular department of the embassy facilitates Azerbaijanisâ€™ visit to the Czech Republic. This is important for us, because Czech Republic is interested in Azerbaijani tourists.

- Has the number of the Azerbaijanis wishing to travel to the Czech Republic increased after the opening of the consular department? How many visas have been issued up to now?

- Of course, the number has increased. It will be exactly known after the report of the 12 months is made in March. Now, I can say that the number of the people wishing to travel to the Czech Republic has increased much compared with the period when there was no embassy. We expected this, but the figures were more than we had expected. The embassy received over 2000 applications within three months of the summer tourist season (15 June â€“ 15 September). We expect that the number of the visits to the Czech Republic will increase again in the second half of November and December on the occasion of the Christmas and New Year.

- When will President of the Czech Republic visit Azerbaijan? How will it influence the bilateral relations?

- A number of visits were made between the Czech Republic and Azerbaijan on various levels in the past two years. Prime ministers, deputy prime ministers, foreign ministers, finance ministers, defense ministers met, chairman of Czech Senate visited Azerbaijan, vice-speaker of Azerbaijani parliament visited the Czech Republic. The presidents of the two countries met at the summits on â€œEastern partnershipâ€ and South corridor in May, 2009. Our relations have developed during this period. It is high time to organize the official visits on the presidential level. Usually in these conditions presidents assess the development of the relations between the two countries and determine the work in all spheres of mutual interest. The visit on the presidential level will mean the completion of this interesting and successful stage of the bilateral relations and very strong impulse for future. The presidents will determine the date of the visit themselves, but I do not want to hide that it is planned for next spring.

- What documents will be signed during President Vaclav Klausâ€™ visit to Azerbaijan?

- It is still early to say which of the documents discussed on the level of experts will be ready for signing. There are a lot of documents. Time will show. Of course presidentâ€™s visit is always considered a good basis to sign the prepared documents and accelerate the work on other bilateral agreements, contracts. Agreements on cooperation in tourism, mutual protection of confidential information, cooperation between the ministries of social protection, interior ministries, protocol on cultural cooperation, agreement on the promotion and protection of investments are on the table.

- Baku-Prague-Baku direct flight was launched in July. Has this flight justified expectations? Is it planned to increase the number of the flights?

- Direct flight operator is Azerbaijanâ€™s national aviation organization AZAL. That is why, you should contact with this company for more detailed answer. Nevertheless, basing on information at our consulateâ€™s department, I may say that direct flight justifies itself and AZAL is planning to increase the number of flights twice a week. Currently, there is need for direct flights. In cases of increase of flights, the number of passengers will rise thanks to people who want to pay 3-day visit to Czech Republic.

- In which spheres does Czech Republic intend to develop the cooperation with Azerbaijan?

- I always note that Czech Republic wants to develop relations with Azerbaijan not only in political, economic spheres, but also in science, education, tourism and other ones. It is difficult to prefer one sphere from another, because each of them has an importance in bilateral relations system. Moreover, I think about the development of economic relations more, because it may impact on the development of other fields, as well as the humanitarian.

- How many firms of Czech Republic have been represented in Azerbaijan and in what spheres do they function?

- If you speak about companies having representation in Azerbaijan, I can say only the name of one company â€“ OHL ZS Construction Company. This company is participating in building of Baku- north border highway. As to products, â€œSkodaâ€ cars and â€œTatraâ€ lorries, equipments of machine-building and petrol-chemical plants, as well as technological equipments, crystal, chandelier, glass, beer and other products of Czech Republic exist in Azerbaijan. Moreover, Czech company will take part in reconstruction work of Azerbaijani railroads.

- How do you assess perspectives of bilateral trade relations?

- I think that economic and trade relations have good perspective. Tradition of joint work exists, information about Azerbaijan is spread in Czech Republic, positive atmosphere dominates in relations. Czech and Azerbaijani firms are interested in mutual trade and mutual productive cooperation. Azerbaijan- Czech business forum to be held on October 27 may be evidence for it. Czech firms and banks will attend the business forum. Automobile industry, machine building, chemistry, pharmacology, biotechnology, nanotechnology, renewable and alternative energy sources may be shown as foreground spheres of entrepreneurial activity.

- What can you say about the volume of trade turnover between the two countries?

- The highest number in trade turnover was achieved in 2008 â€“ 1,2 bn Euro. Due to world economic crisis, this number decreased and formed 548 mln Euro in 2009. In comparison with the same period of last year, the volume of trade turnover increased by 127 % and formed 641 mln. Euro within 8 months of 2010.

- What is the official position of Czech Republic towards Nagorno Karabakh conflict?

- Czech Republic always pays attention to the situation around Nagorno Karabakh conflict and sees peace negotiations, solution on the basis of international norms and principles as the only possible way for regulation. It supports OSCE Minsk Group efforts in this regard.