WORKING VISIT OF ILHAM ALIYEV, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN TO THE CZECH REPUBLIC

Prague, 08 May, 2009 Today President Aliyev completed his three-day working visit to Prague, to attend "Eastern Partnership" and "Southern Corridor - New Silk Road" Summits held, respectively on 7th and 8th of May and organized jointly by the Czech Presidency of the EU Council and European Commission.

"Eastern Partnership" Summit brought together heads of states and governments of the EU and Eastern Partners. President Aliyev addressed the conference and expressed his confidence that the Eastern Partnership Program will give impetus to developing and expanding Azerbaijan-EU relations. The President touched upon Azerbaijan's political and economic progress and democratic reforms, saying "all this serves to bring our country closer to the European family". President named Azerbaijan one of the EU's very important partners, noting the country's contribution to European energy security.

Besides taking part in those events, President Aliyev has also held a number of bilateral meetings. In the meeting with Vaclav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic, both Presidents, noting successful development of relations between the two countries, expressed their desire to do everything to continue the process.

During meeting with Avigdor Lieberman, Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, the sides discussed economic and humanitarian cooperation between the two countries.

Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno Karabakh conflict was also on the agenda, as President met with his Armenian counterpart Serzh Sargsyan to continue negotiations over the resolution of the long-standing conflict.

Meetings were also held with Abdullah Gul, President of Turkey, Jan Peter Balkenende, Dutch Primer Minister, Francois Fillon, French Prime Minister, David Miliband, British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Richard Morningstar, US Special Envoy for Eurasian Energy, where issues of mutual interest were touched upon.