- Mr. Ambassador how do you estimate current level of bilateral relationship between Italy and Azerbaijan?
- This is a very important moment for the relationship between Italy and Azerbaijan. Only two months ago we have witnessed an historical visit by Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta to Baku. It was the first time that an Italian PM came to Azerbaijan and he was very warmly received by President Ilham Aliyev. It was an interesting exchange of views. Of course there are many projects we are now working on, as a follow up to this important meeting and among them an important trade mission led by Vice Minister of Economic Development Carlo Calenda that will take place on 12-13 November. In this occasion a lot of Italian businessmen will participate to the Business Forum Italy-Azerbaijan in order to take part in the process of diversification carried out by the Azerbaijani Government. I believe we have reached a new height in our cooperation.
- How do you see the development of TAP project and do you estimate economical ties between two countries?
- Oil and Gas is probably the key sector in our cooperation at the moment. TAP is a very important step forward which we consider as a great opportunity, both for Italy and the European Union, to diversify our energy supplies from an important and stable provider like Azerbaijan. At the same time, we think that “non – oil” sector is also very important and we appreciate that Azerbaijan is a country developing at a very speed pace. We think that Italy can be a very important partner for Azerbaijan in its efforts to diversify local economy and to expand sectors which are not related to oil. If you just consider that Italy is the second Industrial country in Europe, we definitely have a lot to offer in terms of know-how, technologies and a quality which is renowned worldwide.
There are about 50 Italian companies on the territory of Azerbaijan at the moment, which is a significant number, but we would like more Italian companies to come here, to have partnership and joint ventures with local business. Construction, infrastructures, oil and gas sectors are certainly a priority for us. In our bilateral trade, last year 7 billion EU was imported from Azerbaijan and 400 millions EU exported to Azerbaijan. A further increase of these figures, in both directions, would definitely benefit both Countries: our economic cooperation is a win-win game.
- What agreements should be signed between Italy and Azerbaijan in order to expand bilateral cooperation?
- There are several agreements and MOU’s signed between Italy and Azerbaijan in different spheres such as: economy, justice, culture, defense etc. And there are several other fields that we are going to explore for further cooperation, in the framework of the intergovernmental Joint Economic Commission. This has been a very important year for Italians in Azerbaijan. Next year we will have more opportunities and we hope to have important guests from Azerbaijan.
- How do you think two countries could increase the flow of tourists from both sides?
- We are working to have deeper cooperation in tourism field. It is very important for us to attract as many visitors as possible from Azerbaijan. We are also very glad that Italy is a very popular destination for many people in Azerbaijan. We try to make our visa procedure easier and give wide access to all those who wish to visit our country. I believe Azerbaijan is very interesting destination for Italian tourists as well; in terms of culture history and nature. There are so many things to see here. We support initiatives of Azerbaijani government to attract more Italian tourists to Azerbaijan. In the coming weeks in Rome we will have a meeting between respective departments of tourism of both sides which will discuss possible ways of increasing tourism between two countries.
- What is Azerbaijan for an average Italian?
- Azerbaijan has done a lot in recent years to promote itself abroad and to provide its foreign partners with a better knowledge and understanding of this very fascinating part of the world. For example, Azerbaijan promoted very high level cultural events in Italy in the last couple of years: we have seen a great participation by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, which has promoted among other things Azerbaijani pavilion at Venice Biennale and high level cultural events in Florence, Rome and many other cities of Italy. Of course there is much more to be done: Azerbaijan is a country which needs to be better known and we would also like to give our contribution; Azerbaijan will participate in Milan
- How do you estimate the development of cultural and humanitarian ties between Italy and Azerbaijan?
- We are supporting an increase in the teaching of Italian language and culture in Azerbaijan, also through some cultural events: of late, we have taken part to the EU cinema festival in Baku, and have organized a week of events for the Italian language. If we look at a bigger picture - next year we expect Rome Opera and Theater to come to Baku, where we hope to have some high level musical events. We also provide a number of scholarships for Azerbaijan students who want to go to Italy. Today, there are several hundreds Azerbaijani students studying in Italy.
- Italy has always been a bright country especially brightly represented in cinema and culture. However for recent years there are no internationally recognized Italian names, what can be the reason of this cultural “silence” on your point of view?
- Italy is going through different times in terms of economic and financial crisis which definitely affects the whole of Europe and many countries around the world which are bigger than Italy. This is part of a general mood which affects arts and cultures and young people. But I’m sure we have the resources, the talents, the right skills to come out of this crisis soon and the effect will also be felt on arts and culture. Crisis come and go, this is a part of history. What is unlikely to change, however, is the role of Italy as a cultural superpower, which, among other things, hosts a unique and unparalleled cultural heritage.
- What is position of Italy on the settlement of Nagorno – Karabakh problem?
- I sincerely appreciate the importance and priority which Azerbaijani government and Azerbaijani people attaches to this issues. We support the efforts within the Minsk Group and my understanding is that there may be a new window of opportunity following the elections which have been held both in Azerbaijan and Armenia. I really hope there’s now a chance for the three Minsk Group Co-Chairs (USA, Russia, France) to come up with new ideas and fresh negotiations: Italy will definitely stand by their side. Next year, Italy will also chair the EU and we are definitely committed to support and promote this peace process, which is fundamental for this part of the world.
We deeply believe in our friendship with Azerbaijan and will therefore try to do our best and contribute somehow to the solution of this really painful issue.
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