Baku. Victoria Dementyeva – APA. APA’s interview with Ambassador of Kuwait to Azerbaijan, Saud Abdulaziz Mohammad Al-Shamlan Al-Roumi
- How do you estimate the current relations between Azerbaijan and Kuwait? What is the level of two countries’ cooperation within the international organizations?
- Bilateral relations between Kuwait and Azerbaijan have developed more, especially after the Azerbaijani President’s visit to Kuwait. This visit was more successful and a number of bilateral agreements were signed during the visit. In February, 2013, the Foreign Minister of Kuwait visited Baku, meetings of joint commission were held and a number of bilateral agreements and documents were signed as a part of these visits and meetings. The Embassy of Kuwait in Azerbaijan, together with the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Kuwait continues working on the implementation of those agreements. I would like to note that the high-ranking officials’ mutual visits are of great importance. Relations can not develop, if mutual visits are not paid. Our main target is to further improve Azerbaijan-Kuwait ties. I arrived in Azerbaijan a month and a half ago. I plan to meet with several Azerbaijani officials in order to develop economic and investment spheres and trade ties. Like other Islamic countries, Kuwait also protects and supports Azerbaijan in all matters. There can not be any disagreements between us.
- Did you have any information about Azerbaijan before your appointment as ambassador?
- I have repeatedly met with the Azerbaijani ambassador to Argentina when I worked as ambassador of Kuwait to this country. I got enough information about Azerbaijan after my appointment. At the same time, I often met and am currently meeting with the Azerbaijani ambassador to Kuwait and obtain information about Azerbaijan from him. I have familiarized with your beautiful country. I have witnessed good relations between our countries and we will strengthen these ties and work on establishing new relations.
- Which issues will be your priorities?
- Along with trade, investment is one of the important spheres. Azerbaijan has favorable conditions for foreign investors. As I have noted, I will meet with Azerbaijani officials and will inform Kuwaiti officials about the results of these meetings.
-Are the Kuwaiti companies currently functioning in Azerbaijan? In general, do you have such plans?
-Unfortunately, as I know, no Kuwaiti company is functioning in Azerbaijan. But, after meetings with officials, I will inform the Kuwaiti companies about services offered to foreign investors and favorable conditions created for them in Azerbaijan and seek ways for cooperation. I will meet with Kuwaiti businessmen and members of chamber of commerce in the near future and inform them about investment in Azerbaijan. And I will do my best so that they come to Azerbaijan and familiarize themselves with the conditions in this country and start mutual cooperation.
-Has the mutual trade turnover increased? What spheres are more active and what spheres should be improved?
- Trade turnover was very weak in 2012, it made up $177 000. Before, it had been $60 000. But increase from 60 000 to 170 000 trebling. For example, I can say that there is a need for marble in the Kuwaiti market. This is an interesting sphere for us. We are purchasing this product from Iran, but can also buy from Azerbaijan, because the distance is very short, goods can be delivered and trade can be established. Moreover, we can cooperate in the field of agricultural products, fruits and vegetables.
- What do you think about tourism opportunities? What can Kuwait offer to Azerbaijani tourists?
- This is a very important sphere. Cooperation in the field of tourism is very important and interesting. Ties should be established between Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Tourism and our travel organizations. Azerbaijan’s ambassador to Kuwait told me that tourist visas were issued to 620 Kuwaiti citizens last summer. A lot of Kuwaiti tourists plan to come to Azerbaijan with their families next year. There are beautiful places for tourism in Azerbaijan.
- Are new agreements expected to be signed between the two countries in the near future?
- The two countries have signed 14 agreements. Agreements have been signed on economy, tourism, investment, youth, sport, culture, cancellation of visa for diplomatic passports. An agreement on cooperation in the area of education has been signed with Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy. Basing on this agreement, the first Arabic students will study at the academy. My son will study bachelor’s degree program and daughter master’s degree program at this academy. Students from 27 countries are studying at ADA and we will do our best so that Arabic, especially Kuwaiti students can come and study here.
- Are mutual visits expected between the two countries?
- Azerbaijan’s President visited Kuwait. Now we are working on the visit of Kuwaiti emir to Azerbaijan. But the situation in the region is complicated, moreover, suitable time should be found in terms of work schedule of the heads of state. Therefore, some time is needed to organize this visit. I will work on it.
-What is Kuwait’s position on Nagorno Karabakh conflict?
- Kuwait stands by Azerbaijan within all international organizations, we have supported all relevant decisions of the UN on Nagorno Karabakh conflict.
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