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Event on 20th anniversary of Azerbaijan-UK diplomatic relations held in London

09 March 2012 11:46 (UTC +04:00)

Baku â€“ APA. Azerbaijani Embassy in the UK held an event on the 20th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and the UK. The Embassy told APA that the event was attended by former UK Ambassador to Azerbaijan Andrew Tucker, Co-Chair of The Anglo-Azerbaijani Society Lord Fraser and members of the Society, ambassadors and diplomats accredited in London, representatives of The European Azerbaijan Society, Azerbaijan Airlines and the International Bank of Azerbaijan, journalists.

Making a keynote speech at the event Ambassador Fakhraddin Gurbanov touched on the history and present state of the relations between the two countries. He said Azerbaijan-UK cooperation enhanced within 20 years, the British companies play an important role in the energy policy. Ambassador said about 170 British companies are functioning, 5000 citizens of the UK working in Azerbaijan. Ambassador underlined that the British companies are interested in the non-oil sector, there is progress in this sphere, the relations in the spheres of education, culture and civil society are enhancing, underlined that Azerbaijan, a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, will cooperate with the UK on the international level in the next two years.

Fakhraddin Gurbanov underlined broad opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in the sphere of education and cultural exchange, said the number of the Azerbaijanis studying at the universities in the UK is increasing, 156 Azerbaijanis are studying in the country within the framework of the State Scholarship Program. Ambassador also said Azerbaijani organizations in the UK are active, The Anglo-Azerbaijani Society, The European Azerbaijan Society, Azerbaijani House contribute to the relations between the two countries and promoting Azerbaijani culture in this country. He expressed his confidence that the close partnership will be continued in all spheres and will cover new spheres of cooperation.

Co-Chair of The Anglo-Azerbaijani Society, Lord Fraser also addressed the event. He said the cooperation between and the UK was established basing on healthy principles, in the early years the bilateral cooperation mainly covered oil and gas, while successful cooperation is observed in a number of new spheres now. Speaking about Azerbaijanâ€™s achievements in the past 20 years, Lord Fraser wished Azerbaijan success in hosting Eurovision Song Contest.

The speeches were followed by the reception, where Azerbaijani meals were served.