site.btaPresidents of Bulgaria, Azerbaijan Discuss Cooperation in Energy Sector, Other Areas

Baku, October 13 (BTA special correspondent Antoan Nikolov) - Meeting with Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev here Friday, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev said that Azerbaijan plays a key role in the diversification of energy supply to Eastern and Central Europe and Bulgaria supports the Southern Gas Corridor. Radev is on an official visit to Azerbaijan October 13-14 at his counterpart's invitation.

The Bulgarian Head of State pointed out that there are opportunities for more infrastructure projects and said that opening a direct air service between Sofia and Baku would help enhance bilateral relations at all levels.

President Aliyev said that the two sides will surely exchange ideas for improving bilateral cooperation. "We have good political and economic relations but there is much untapped potential in the area of economy," said he.

He called Bulgaria "a close partner and friend".

The one-to-one meeting between the two Presidents was followed by plenary talks of the official delegations of the two countries.

At a news conference in the Zagulba residence, Aliyev said he had instructed his country's flag carrier to make arrangements for starting a direct service between Baku and Sofia. Preparation has already started and is expected to be completed soon, he added saying that it is "an excellent result from the visit of the Bulgarian President".

Radev said that the new service is due to become operational from January 1 next year.

He noted that this will be during the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Council and said that Sofia reconfirms its support for a new comprehensive agreement between Azerbaijan and the EU.

The President of Azerbaijan believes that is important to improve cooperation between the two countries in the energy sector.

He said that the Southern Gas Corridor is a major transnational has project worth 40 billion US dollars, that seven countries are involved and that gas from the Shah Deniz gas field in Azerbaijan will reach Bulgaria. "When Azeri gas goes on the Bulgarian market, new horizons will open up for bilateral cooperation," Aliyev said.

He said that the operation of a rail link between Baku, Tbilisi and Kars will start in the near future and expressed hope that Bulgaria will take active part in the project because new opportunities will open for the countries along the line.

The President of Azerbaijan underscored the need to step up cooperation in agriculture and education.

President Radev said that the two countries have gone ahead with tangible steps for deepening bilateral cooperation. He said that Bulgaria can capitalize on the interest of Azerbaijan in developing its agriculture and introducing new technologies, especially in the processing industry.