SPEAKER OF AZERBAIJAN PARLIAMENT MEETS AFGHANISTAN NATIONAL ASSEMBLY CHAIRMAN

Baku, 01 December,(AzerTAj)Speaker of Azerbaijan Milli Majlis Ogtay Asadov met Monday the visiting chairman of Afghanistan National Assembly Mohammad Yunus Qanoni.

Ogtay Asadov said relations between Azerbaijan and Afghanistan had been rapidly
developing. According to him, the two countries successfully cooperate within the
Organization of the Islamic Conference and other international organizations.
Mr. Asadov underlined volume of trade between the two countries made up $49 million
in 2007, but during the first eight months of 2008 this figure grew to reach $70
million.
The Speaker expressed confidence Qanoni`s current visit would contribute to opening
a new stage in relations between parliaments of Azerbaijan and Afghanistan.
Mr. Asadov noted Azerbaijan was taking an active part in establishing peace and
prosperity throughout the world as the country itself suffered terrorism for a long
time.
He stressed Azerbaijani servicemen were successfully participating in peacekeeping
mission in Afghanistan.
Asadov also briefed his counterpart on the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over
Nagorno-Karabakh.
He thanked the Afghan government for backing Azerbaijan`s territorial integrity.
Mohammad Yunus Qanoni, in turn, said close relations between Azerbaijani and Afghan
presidents also contribute to enhancing bilateral cooperation.
He stressed the need of deepening relationship between the two countries` parliaments.
Qanoni also praised the two countries cooperation within international organizations.
The sides also discussed other issues of mutual interest.
First Vice-Speaker of Milli Majlis Ziyafat Asgarov, head of the Milli Majlis
Administration Safa Mirzayev, Azerbaijan`s Ambassador to Afghanistan Eynulla Madatli
were present in the meeting.
-0-