On July 2nd President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received a Colombian delegation led by chairperson of the Senate`s second constitutional committee Alexandra Moreno Piraquive.

The Head of State expressed confidence Mrs. Piraquive`s visit to Azerbaijan would contribute to expanding relations between the two countries.

President Ilham Aliyev said bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Columbia reached the level of strong partnership.

The Azerbaijani President praised political ties between the countries, expressing hope they will help develop bilateral economic cooperation.

The Head of State stressed the importance of interparliamentary cooperation for expansion of bilateral relations.

President Ilham Aliyev expressed assurance Azerbaijan and Columbia would continue to cooperate within international organizations.

The President noted Columbian Parliament`s resolution on illegal occupation of Azerbaijan`s territories was of great importance to Azerbaijan.

He thanked the Columbian government, people, parliament and Mrs. Alexandra Moreno Piraquive for the resolution and the country`s fair position on the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Alexandra Moreno Piraquive said she was satisfied with her visit to Azerbaijan.

Mrs. Piraquive said Columbia was keeping a close eye on development processes in Azerbaijan.

She noted Columbia supports settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict based on the principle of territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.

The chairperson added her country backs the conflict`s settlement on the basis of norms of international law.

She spoke of Columbia`s economic development and investment opportunities.

Mrs. Piraquive stressed the importance of expanding bilateral friendly relations in political, economic, cultural and other fields.

President Ilham Aliyev said the people of Azerbaijan had a friendly attitude towards the people of Columbia, who have great history and rich culture.

The Head of State stressed the necessity of strengthening economic and cultural relations between Azerbaijan and Columbia even more.

The President said the opening of Azerbaijan`s embassy in Columbia contributed to strengthening bilateral relations.

President Ilham Aliyev underlined the importance of reciprocal visits for expansion of bilateral cooperation.

The Head of State said Mrs. Alexandra Moreno Piraquive was honored with the country`s highest state award - "Honorary Diploma of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan" - for her contribution to developing friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Columbia.

President Ilham Aliyev presented the award to the chairperson of the Columbian Senate`s second constitutional committee.

Mrs. Piraquive thanked the President for the award.

AzerTAc