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Chinese ambassador: Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and China increased by 100 times in the past 11 years

27 March 2007 13:45 (UTC +04:00)

- In what stage are the political, economic and humanitarian relations between Azerbaijan and China?
- 15 years have passed since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Azerbaijan. Political, economic, humanitarian and other relations are developing; strong friendship and cooperation relations have been established between the two countries. China attaches great importance to the relations with Azerbaijan. China is one of the first countries to recognize Azerbaijanâ€™s independence and establish diplomatic relations with this country. Besides, China and Azerbaijan support sovereignty and territorial integrity of each other, respect the way of development chosen by their peoples, debate over important issues in international arena and cooperate in this sphere. Our countries are reliable partners. The relations between China and Azerbaijan are example for interstate relations based on equality, mutual interests and joint peaceful principles.
- Are officials of the Peopleâ€™s Republic of China expected to visit Azerbaijan this year?
- China and Azerbaijan have close relations since the diplomatic relations were established. The then President Heydar Aliyev paid the first official visit to China in 1994. Joint statement on the principles of friendship relations between China and Azerbaijan and over 30 important documents were signed during the visit. President Ilham Aliyev paid an official visit to China in March 2005, had important meetings with President Hu Jintao and they discussed different issues giving impetus to further development of bilateral relations. Li Peng, The Chairman of the Standing Committee of Chinaâ€™s National Peopleâ€™s Congress, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Peopleâ€™s Republic of China Li Jaosin, deputy Premier, deputies of the speaker, foreign minister Li Zhaoxing and Prosecutor General visited Azerbaijan in 2000.
- What projects on economic cooperation will Azerbaijani and Chinese companies implement?
-There are great achievements on economic-trade sphere. According to official statistics, the trade turnover between the two countries was $3.78m in 1995, this figure reached $368m in 2006. It means that the trade turnover between our countries increased by 100 times in the past 11 years. Economies of both countries are developing, and it creates broad opportunities for productive cooperation. Azerbaijan is in the center of attention of Chinese investors. There is dynamic cooperation both in energy and non-energy sector, these relations transferred from ordinary trade relations to new technology, communication and technical service spheres. Famous Chisel companies are operating in Azerbaijan. For example, SINOPEK and SNPC in energy sphere, HUA WEI and Yongxing in the sphere of communication. China National Electronic Equipment Cooperation Company won the tender on the construction of the station of high frequency in Khachmaz region of Azerbaijan. South China airlines cooperate with Azerbaijan on national aviation. Chinese company in Chuntsin region has agreed with their partners in Sumgait on construction of the glass producing plant. Sichioan mechanical equipment export-import corporation will take part in the construction of Ganja Aluminum Plant. Ganja Machine-building plant has bought a line from famous Chinese â€œChananâ€? company for car produce.
-What is the position of official Beijing to the Baku-Tbilisi-Akhalkalaki-Kars railway project? Can this route be used for transporting Chinese goods to Europe?
- China respects the construction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Akhalkalaki-Kars railway project by Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey. I wish that this route will contribute to real results and development chances for these three countries and peoples of the region. I think that Chinese customers will use this way to transport goods.
-How do you assess the current situation of relations between China and Azerbaijan in the fields of education and culture?
-Exchange of cooperation exists between Azerbaijan and China in the field of education. 15 state scholarships are granted for education of students. Besides, Chinese government allocates unilateral scholarship for Azerbaijani students in China. 10 students were granted this kind of scholarship this year. The winners of the competition announced for performance of the students in the Chinese language will get chances to study in our country. It is possible to note that the number of Azerbaijani students in China rise up gradually. At present there are over 200 Azerbaijani students in China.
-Do Turkish speaking Uygurs in China have direct relations with Azerbaijan?
-56 peoples live in China; Uyghurs are one of the largest minorities. They have preserved their mother language and traditions. â€œ12 Uyghur Mughamâ€? is very popular in China and is included into UNESCOâ€™s world heritage. Uyghurs mainly live in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. There exists direct airline between Baku and Urumchi-the center of the region, which make it easy for the two peoples to have relations.
Sometimes it becomes problem to get tickets. A number of Azerbaijanis have built relations with the Chinese, including Uyghurs in Urumchi. Urmuchi plays an important role for deepening cooperation and interaction between our peoples./APA/