Baku. Malahat Najafova – APA. Interview of Haitham Galal, the Charge d’affairs of Egypt in Baku for APA.
- How do you estimate bilateral relations between Egypt and Azerbaijan?
- Well, the relations between the two countries are excellent and historical. It based on the common values, traditions and cultural heritage. We are trying to push forward all aspects of the bilateral relations in order to bring the two peoples closer and to share more prosperous future. Azerbaijan is very energetic and dynamic country and achieving so many impressive goals now days.
- What about the development of the Political, Economic and Cultural relations between the two countries?
- Egypt was among the first countries to recognize the independence of Azerbaijan and to open an Embassy in Baku.
The former leader of Azerbaijan Haydar Aliyev visited Egypt in 2004 and President Ilham Aliyev has visited Egypt in 2007 and many Top Officials from both countries have exchanged visits.
We are working now to host another round of joint committee on Economic and Technical cooperation in Cairo, in order to boast the economic relations and the mutual investments. We are fixing the convenient time to both countries, at the same time reviewing the topics to be discussed. Also we plan to create joint council of businessmen in the two countries that can be established on the side line of this meeting. It would promote trade exchange between two countries and bringing businessmen and the two markets closer. Both Countries are keen to develop the trade exchange and the economic cooperation which do not correspond with their vast potentials.
Since mid 90’s up till now, Egypt has organized many training courses for the different Azeri cadres in various fields such as, police, diplomacy, agriculture, media, medicine, etc.
Cooperation in energy sector is very important to Azerbaijan and Egypt. There were very positive cooperation between Azerbaijan and Egypt during 2009-2010 regarding oil refining, because Azerbaijan has used some oil refinery in Egypt, to refine Azerbaijan’s oil. It was very positive and successful and we are very hopeful to resume cooperation in this field.
Egypt and Azerbaijan enjoy a rich and unique culture, that’s why much music, folkloric groups, artists from both countries have and will participate in the cultural events and festivals taking place in each country. We are also planning to organize an Egyptian cultural week in Baku this year and an Azeri cultural week in Cairo.
- What is the level of tourism between the two countries?
- Many Azeri tourists prefer to spend their holidays, especially New Year in Egypt where history coexists with Modernity. There is variety of choices for the tourists in Egypt, the sunny sandy beaches, the cultural events and historic sites. Even we are promoting now Medical Tourism and I’m happy to notice the increasing number of the Azeri tourists in Egypt. Don’t forget that one third of the world historic monuments are in Egypt. Beside it, it doesn’t cost much to visit Egypt, hotels are not expensive.
We are considering to open direct airline between Baku and Cairo. It will also promote the trade exchange and tourist exchange between two countries. We are working on it as we have an agreement on Cooperation on Air Transportation in 2009, but it depends on commercial values.
- What is the position of Egypt on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?
- Egypt is supporting the integrity of the territories of Azerbaijan and we are endorsing all the international resolutions of the UN Security Council and the international organizations calling for the consideration of Nagorno-Karabakh as a part of Azerbaijan. Egypt has played a key role within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Non-alignment Movement to adopt very positive resolutions on the right of Azerbaijan to restore its occupied territories. Egypt supports all the international efforts seeking a peaceful and acceptable solution to this conflict.
- What about the current situation in Egypt?
- Egypt is going through transitional period full of ups and downs. But Egypt is on the right track towards democracy, social justice, human rights, economic development and basic freedoms with all its positive consequences. Egypt is a country with great and unique rich civilization, one of the oldest countries on earth, the history, heritage, tolerance, moderation and ambitions of Egyptians are the main leverage for better prosperous tomorrow.
There are many changes in the political regime, but Egypt has stable institutions. And these institutions are still functioning it normal duties. There is no affect of this transitional period on our bilateral relations. We are having more open foreign policy. Along the history Egypt is very modern and tolerant country. And it will continue its constructive and positive foreign policy.
- The Organization of Islamic Cooperation supports the recognition of Khojaly tragedy. Will the Parliament of Egypt recognize that?
- It’s very early to talk about that as we still have a parliamentary election ahead and the upcoming parliament will be burdened with many urgent internal issues.
- Cairo is going to host the Islamic Summit Conference, what is aim of this conference?
- Well, this summit will be held in Cairo in the 6th and 7th of February 2013 , the overall theme is “The Muslim World: New Challenges and Expanding Opportunities” aiming at assessing the common position towards today’s challenges, enhancing coordination and cooperation for better future to the Muslim World, as well as fostering our contribution to the world prosperity.
The Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi has extended the invitation to Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev to participate in this summit, and it will be great honor and pleasure to see president Aliyev in Egypt and it is very important for our country. His visit will give a constant momentum to the summit and also to the bilateral relations.
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