14 Jul 2009 11:45

Leaders of Azerbaijan, Britain speak for expanding bilateral cooperation

BAKU. July 14 (Interfax-Azerbaijan) - Azerbaijan and Britain are set on deepening cooperation, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown have said at their talks in London.

Aliyev's administration quoted Brown for Interfax as saying on Monday that Britain is determined to expand ties with Azerbaijan in the political, economic and other spheres

At the meeting the sides exchanged opinions about bilateral, regional and international issues.

Speaking of Azerbaijan's involvement in the antiterrorist coalition Brown said that the British government highly appreciates Azerbaijan's efforts. He said that Great Britain will continue rendering Azerbaijan all-round support on the international arena.

In his turn Aliyev stressed that the energy sector is a key direction of interaction. There are also good prospects of developing ties in other spheres as well, he added.

The meeting was crowned by the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Azerbaijan's SOCAR and Britain's BP.

At another meeting in London Aliyev discussed with BP Executive Director Tony Hayward matters related to the progress and prospects of the Shakh Deniz gas project. The sides indicated that cooperation between BP and Azerbaijan continues at a high level and expressed confidence in the further development of relations.

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