Azernews.Az

By Nigar Orujova

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev held talks with Singaporean leaders on the development of bilateral relations during his first state visit to the country on November 20-21.

President Aliyev and Singaporean leader Tony Tan held an expanded meeting, which involved the two countries' delegations, on November 21. During the meeting it was noted that Aliyev's visit to Singapore is remarkable and an historic event in bilateral relations.

The sides emphasized that the visit would contribute to driving overall development of the Singapore-Azerbaijan relations.

Singapore's crucial role in the Southeast Asia region was also noted. From this point of view, Singapore's position is similar to that of Azerbaijan in the South Caucasus region.

The presidents stressed the good prospects for overall expansion of the cooperation between the two rapidly developing countries.

They said Singapore and Azerbaijan have certain links in the economic, trade and energy sectors but added that those connections do not reflect the existing potential of both countries.

During the talks, the parties agreed to set up a joint steering body to ensure the development of bilateral cooperation.

On the same day, the Azerbaijani leader met Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Prospects for development of bilateral cooperation were explored at the expanded meeting.

Mutual investment between Azerbaijan and Singapore was discussed, and both sides stressed that the two countries have done some work in this regard.

Azerbaijani state oil company SOCAR has already established business contacts in Singapore, and several Singaporean companies are operating in Azerbaijan as well.

The sides also stressed the importance of reciprocal visits for boosting bilateral cooperation.

While in Singapore, the Azerbaijani president attended the National Orchid Garden.

Leong Chee Chiew, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Parks Board, informed Aliyev of rare flowers and plants growing in the garden.

He said a rare orchid cultivated only in this garden was named after President Aliyev and handed the certificate of the flower to the Azerbaijani leader.

The garden is located in the Singapore Botanic Gardens, which is a living monument to the foresight of the founding fathers of Singapore.

At the end of the day, the Singaporean president hosted an official dinner in honor of the Azerbaijani leader.

Goods turnover between Azerbaijan and Singapore amounted to nearly $260.7 million in January-October 2012. Singaporean companies are quite active in the supply of equipment for Azerbaijani oil and gas projects. Singapore's Keppel is a major shareholder and operator of the new shipyard being built in the Azerbaijani capital Baku.