President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has today received a delegation led by President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Djibouti Mohamed Ali Houmed.

The head of state expressed his confidence that the visit of President of the National Assembly Mohamed Ali Houmed will play a significant role in the development of Azerbaijan-Djibouti relations and that various aspects of cooperation will be widely discussed during the visit. President Ilham Aliyev said the two countries enjoy strong relations, which have been developing in recent years. The head of state said Azerbaijan is interested in expanding these relations with Djibouti in various fields. President Ilham Aliyev thanked the Djiboutian Parliament for adopting a resolution recognizing Khojaly tragedy as a genocide. The head of state noted that parliaments of more than 10 countries have already recognized Khojaly tragedy as a genocide. President Ilham Aliyev said the resolution adopted by the Djiboutian parliament reflects justice and is also indicative of the friendly ties between the two countries. The head of state stressed the importance of the two countries` successful cooperation and mutual support within international organizations. Touching upon economic cooperation, President Ilham Aliyev said significant steps were taken in this regard. The head of state noted that the establishment of air transportation between the two countries positively influenced mutual trade. President Ilham Aliyev pointed out broad agenda of Azerbaijani-Djiboutian relations, expressing his confidence that the cooperation will be strengthened in the future.

Mohamed Ali Houmed conveyed greetings of President of the Republic of Djibouti Ismaïl Omar Guelleh to the head of state. On behalf of the President of Djibouti, he assured President Ilham Aliyev that Djibouti will continue to stand by Azerbaijan in various fields and at all levels.

Mohamed Ali Houmed said that despite the fact that relations between the two countries started to develop just recently, their current level gives the impression that these ties have a long history.

Touching upon the Djiboutian Parliament`s resolution recognizing Khojaly tragedy as a genocide, Mohamed Ali Houmed said the parliament adopted this resolution quickly and without hesitation and they were proud of this decision. He said both countries are bound together by religious and cultural ties and stressed the importance of further strengthening these bonds.

The head of state thanked for the greetings of President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh and asked the President of the National Assembly to communicate his greetings to the President of the Republic of Djibouti.

They then posed for photographs.

AZERTAC