Nations intend to further consolidate political trust, improve coordination
Li Zhanshu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, and top Azerbaijani officials have agreed in the Eurasian country's capital to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
During a goodwill visit from Thursday to Saturday, Li met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and conveyed President Xi Jinping's cordial greetings.
Li briefed Aliyev on the People's Republic of China's achievements since its founding 70 years ago, saying that the Communist Party of China is forging ahead in line with its national conditions.
Socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era and, under Xi's leadership, China is striving to achieve its "two centenary goals" and realize the Chinese dream of rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, Li told Aliyev.
China deems Azerbaijan an important partner in Eurasia and is ready to implement the blueprint made by Xi and Aliyev on developing bilateral ties, further cement political mutual trust, strengthen practical cooperation and jointly safeguard the two countries' security and development interests, Li said.
Aliyev asked Li to convey his best wishes to Xi and said he admired the great changes in China he had witnessed during trips to the country.
Azerbaijan-China relations are developing rapidly with a promising future, he said, adding that his country firmly adheres to the one-China principle and intends to combat jointly with China the "three forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism and to improve coordination and cooperation on international and regional issues.
Legislative exchanges
Meeting with Ogtay Asadov, speaker of Azerbaijan's National Assembly, Li said his visit was aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two legislatures and implementing the important consensuses reached by the two heads of state.
Li suggested both sides increase interaction, exchange experience on governing and provide legal assurance for bilateral cooperation.
All countries have a unique history, national situation and culture, so different civilizations should coexist harmoniously and learn from each other, Li said.
The NPC is willing to work with the Azerbaijan National Assembly to promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges and to cement public support for bilateral relations, he said.
Asadov said Li was the first top Chinese legislator to visit Azerbaijan in 19 years and that the trip has energized the development of relations and interaction between the two legislatures.
Azerbaijan and China have signed many cooperation deals and the two legislatures should help to deliver on the agreements, Asadov said.
Azerbaijani people are increasingly interested in Chinese culture and there is a need to promote educational, cultural and youth exchanges, he said.
Economic cooperation
Meeting with Azerbaijani Prime Minister Novruz Mammadov, Li said Azerbaijan, located at the junction of Europe and Asia, is an important country along the Belt and Road.
He said China is ready to boost economic and trade exchanges and enhance cooperation with Azerbaijan in jointly building the Belt and Road, and to achieve results in cooperation outcomes in such fields as energy, agriculture, transportation, logistics, tourism and informatization.
He welcomed Azerbaijan to attend the second China International Import Expo in early November in Shanghai.
Azerbaijan was among the earliest participants in the Belt and Road Initiative, Mammadov said, and is ready to expand cooperation with China.
He welcomed more Chinese investment and expected cooperation with China on the construction of a Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor to bring more Chinese goods to the Eurasian market via Azerbaijan.
Li also visited the Heydar Aliyev Center and a carpet museum, and laid a wreath at the tomb of former president Heydar Aliyev and the Eternal Flame.
