Azerbaijan, Laos sign agreement

Baku, June 19, AZERTAC The Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Lao People`s Democratic Republic have signed an Agreement on Exemption from visa requirement for holders of diplomatic passports. The agreement was signed by Azerbaijan`s Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov and Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith. Prior to the signing ceremony, the foreign ministers had a tete-a-tete and extended meeting with the participation of delegations. The ministers emphasized the importance of renewal and further development of cooperation in all spheres. In this context, they noted the significance of exchange of high level visits in order to promote bilateral relations and cooperation. In this regard, Elmar Mammadyarov pointed out that the visit paid by Saleumxay Kommasith is the first ever official visit between Azerbaijan and Laos and expressed his confidence that the visit would contribute to the development of bilateral relations in all spheres. They also noted the significant role of parliamentary diplomacy in advancing bilateral relations and talked about the establishment of Friendship Group in legislative bodies. Furthermore, both sides had a comprehensive discussion on perspective areas of bilateral relations and said that there are wide ranges of cooperation opportunities in the field of economy. They shared thoughts about the establishment of direct contacts between business communities and holding business Forums for defining those opportunities. The FMs also exchanged views on development of bilateral legal-treaty base. They also stressed the importance of enhancement of successful cooperation in human resource development, particularly in the field of education and continuation of exchange of students and researchers based on the traditions since the Soviet times. The two ministers also exchanged views on regional and international issues as well as touched upon the importance of cooperation between the two countries in framework of international institutions, including the UN and NAM. Minister Elmar Mammadyarov informed his counterpart about the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and its consequences. The ministers stated support to peaceful settlement of conflict in accordance with the norms and principles of international law and relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council, based on the sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of recognized borders.