Azerbaijan's president arrives on two-day visit

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Belgrade on Wednesday for a two-day official visit. The visit comes at the invitation of Serbian President Boris Tadic. Azerbaijan's president arrives on two-day visit Aliyev was welcomed by Tadic at the Palace of Serbia, with Defense Minister Dragan Sutanovac and Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic attending the ceremony. Earlier, announcements said that the two presidents, and then delegations of the two countries would hold meetings. After the meeting, Aliyev and Tadic will hold a joint news conference. In the afternoon hours, the two presidents will open the renovated Tasmajdan Park, where they will plant a tree dedicated to friendship and unveil statues of former Azerbaijani president Heydar Aliyev and Serbian writer Milorad Pavic. Belgrade Mayor Dragan Djilas will also attend the ceremonial opening of the park, which was renovated on the initiative of the city hall and the Azerbaijani government which donated EUR 2mn for that purpose. On Thursday, Tadic and Aliyev will visit Novi Sad where they will attend the unveiling of a monument dedicated to Azerbaijani composer Uzeyir Hajibeyov. Ilham Aliyev and Boris Tadic in Belgrade today (Tanjug) "Absolutely impermissible" Ahead of his trip to Belgrade, Ilham Aliyev stated that he was of the opinion that it was absolutely impermissible to change the borders of a country without its prior consent. "All countries should abide by international principles and standards. Therefore, it is of immense importance that Azerbaijan and Serbia, the countries which are faced with separatism, one of the greatest threats to international security, offer to each other a support in the international organizations, as well as cooperate in countering secessionism," Aliyev underlined in his interview to the Belgrade-based daily Politika. "o a certain extent, our countries are faced with similar problems- the incapacity to realize a full sovereignty over the parts of their territory. For Serbia, that is Kosovo, and for Azerbaijan - Nagorno-Karabakh," Aliyev said, emphasizing that the conflict has to be resolved in conformity with the principles of territorial integrity and inviolability of state borders. Underlining that the relations of Serbia and Azerbaijan are improving successfully, Aliyev added that Azerbaijan would like to launch joint investment projects with Serbia. "I am of the opinion that in that respect our cooperation could be rather efficient and beneficial for both sides. Joint investment projects could cover domains of energy, tourism, agriculture, information and telecommunication technologies," Aliyev added. "The cooperation with Azerbaijan might give Serbia an impetus for establishing cooperation with other neighbouring countries, since Azerbaijan has a rather advantageous geographical position, and has experienced a rapid economic development in the recent years," Aliyev said.

Azerbaijan's president arrives on two-day visit

Aliyev was welcomed by Tadić at the Palace of Serbia, with Defense Minister Dragan Šutanovac and Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremić attending the ceremony.

Earlier, announcements said that the two presidents, and then delegations of the two countries would hold meetings.

After the meeting, Aliyev and Tadić will hold a joint news conference.

In the afternoon hours, the two presidents will open the renovated Tašmajdan Park, where they will plant a tree dedicated to friendship and unveil statues of former Azerbaijani president Heydar Aliyev and Serbian writer Milorad Pavić.

Belgrade Mayor Dragan Đilas will also attend the ceremonial opening of the park, which was renovated on the initiative of the city hall and the Azerbaijani government which donated EUR 2mn for that purpose.

On Thursday, Tadić and Aliyev will visit Novi Sad where they will attend the unveiling of a monument dedicated to Azerbaijani composer Uzeyir Hajibeyov.

"Absolutely impermissible"

Ahead of his trip to Belgrade, Ilham Aliyev stated that he was of the opinion that it was absolutely impermissible to change the borders of a country without its prior consent.

"All countries should abide by international principles and standards. Therefore, it is of immense importance that Azerbaijan and Serbia, the countries which are faced with separatism, one of the greatest threats to international security, offer to each other a support in the international organizations, as well as cooperate in countering secessionism," Aliyev underlined in his interview to the Belgrade-based daily Politika.

"o a certain extent, our countries are faced with similar problems- the incapacity to realize a full sovereignty over the parts of their territory. For Serbia, that is Kosovo, and for Azerbaijan - Nagorno-Karabakh," Aliyev said, emphasizing that the conflict has to be resolved in conformity with the principles of territorial integrity and inviolability of state borders.

Underlining that the relations of Serbia and Azerbaijan are improving successfully, Aliyev added that Azerbaijan would like to launch joint investment projects with Serbia.

"I am of the opinion that in that respect our cooperation could be rather efficient and beneficial for both sides. Joint investment projects could cover domains of energy, tourism, agriculture, information and telecommunication technologies," Aliyev added.

"The cooperation with Azerbaijan might give Serbia an impetus for establishing cooperation with other neighbouring countries, since Azerbaijan has a rather advantageous geographical position, and has experienced a rapid economic development in the recent years," Aliyev said.