- Mr. Ambassador, how do you estimate current level of bilateral relationship between Azerbaijan and Great Britain?
– Relations between Azerbaijan and Britain are excellent. We co-operate in the areas of trade, energy, economics, international security, education, culture, tourism and so much more. But although the relationship is very strong, I believe we can develop it even further.
– Where do you see undeveloped potential in cooperation between two sides?
– I think the UK can support Azerbaijan’s drive to diversify the economy and grow the non energy sector. The UK has great expertise in important sectors such as Education, ICT, Healthcare, Financial Services, Renewable Energy and Infrastructure . I’d also like us to deepen our political co-operation with more high level visits and exchanges each way.
– What UK expects of presidential elections in Azerbaijan?
– The UK expects the elections in Azerbaijan, like elections in all countries, to be free, fair and a legitimate expression of the will of the people. Elections are a vital bond between the people and government. A contract of consent to be governed. So it is important in every country for this consent to be built on a solid and credible foundation.
– There are no visits on high and highest level from Britain to Baku for long time enough, what is the reason?
– There’s no specific reason. The visits just have not happened. But as I said earlier, I’m keen to change that and I hope that in my time as Ambassador we will see more high level visits from the UK to Azerbaijan.
– Azerbaijan and Britain cooperate in the field of energy mostly; still UK has a lot to offer in terms of business why we can not cooperate wider in other fields?
– There is no reason why we cannot co-operate in other fields, and in fact we do. There are over 400 British Businesses active in Azerbaijan and many of these are in non-energy sectors, such as construction, retail, ICT.
– What is the latest number for trade turnover between two countries?
– For the last 7 months of 2013 UK exported to Azerbaijan £233 mill, while Imports from Azerbaijan £102 mill. So we can observe that UK exports increased by 62% on 2012 figures. The UK continues to be the largest single investor in Azerbaijan with around half of Azerbaijan’s overall foreign investment.
– How many British citizens registered in Azerbaijan today?
– We don’t actively register British citizens anymore. But our estimate is that there are more than 4,000 British citizens in Azerbaijan today.
– UK seem not totally into EU issues, GB still didn’t accept euro as a common monetary unit, and there were news in media that Britain is going to leave EU, maybe the reason is in UK being US strategic partner, what is the reason on your point of view?
– The UK is both a vital part of the EU and a strong partner of the US. We do not see any contradiction between these two positions, in fact we feel that our strategic relations with the US and the EU is part of what makes us so strong. Not being part of the Single European Currency does not make us less central to the European project. There are several countries that are core members of the EU, but not part of the Euro, such as Sweden, Poland and Denmark. It is true that we are planning a referendum on membership of the EU. We will have a full debate on these issues, but my expectation, and that of the government, is that this will return a clear mandate of support for British membership of the EU and so put such questions to bed for good.
– Today, EU is often trying to guide Azerbaijan; it gives advices and critical notes. However, EU itself experiencing unemployment, interethnic and sectarian violence, illegal migration, do you think Azerbaijan is still in need with EU coordination?
– I think co-operation in international affairs is in all of our interests. But this co-operation should always be conducted in a manner of mutual respect and equality. It is true that Europe has experienced problems in recent years. But the European project remains a major success story of the 20th century, banishing conflict and division from the continent and building a common sphere of shared values and interests. I think it would be unwise to underestimate the importance of Europe’s achievements.
– What did you know Azerbaijan before arriving here, is Azerbaijan the same you imagined it to be?
–I did a lot of reading about Azerbaijan before I arrived. “Ali and Nino”, of course, but also books on history, politics, culture and society. So I was fully aware that Azerbaijan has a long and rich history, that it was a pioneer in many ways, both in the energy industry, but also in establishing the first Democratic Muslim Republic, with equal suffrage for women. That it is a country of tolerance and co-existence and that it is one of the most climactically diverse countries in the world, with great natural diversity and beauty. I’m happy to say that my early experience in Azerbaijan has confirmed my expectation that this is a place rich in culture, history and nature with much to offer to visitors.
– Queen Elizabeth II, William Shakespeare, Mr. Bean, Benny Hill this names and some others comes into mind of a common Azeri talking about Britain, what common British people know about Azerbaijan ?
– Eurovision and Oil are probably what the average person in Britain thinks about, when he or she hears Azerbaijan. But Azerbaijan’s profile in the UK is growing. As more Azerbaijani business people, students and tourists are coming to the UK and bringing Azerbaijani culture with them, more British people are becoming familiar with Azerbaijan. The 2015 European Olympic games will be another fantastic opportunity for Azerbaijan to show the world the remarkable progress it is making.
– What do you plan to change in bilateral cooperation as a British Ambassador?
I’m keen to continue to change this perception of Azerbaijan as being only about Oil or Eurovision and help the British people understand even more clearly that Azerbaijan like the UK combines a rich history and heritage with a modern, dynamic economy and bright, interesting people. But the perception will only change if we can change some of the realities. So I want to strengthen our common interests and build even more common values.
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