Baku urges theOrganization of Economic Cooperation (OEC) to improve
its support for a settlement of the Azerbaijani-Armenian
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and restoration of Azerbaijani territorial
unity, Azerbaijani Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmar Mammadyarov said
at session of the OEC council of foreign ministers on Wednesday.
Armenia occupies 20% of Azerbaijani territory. There are some million
refugees that hinder the development, stability and prosperity of the
OEC, the minister said.
He expressed confidence that the OEC will improve its efficiency and
ability to react to the challenges the region faces.
Transport is one of the basic elements of OEC cooperation. This is why
Azerbaijan is pushing for completion of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars and
Kazvin-Resht-Astara railways.
Azerbaijan is making efforts for a multi-vector transport
infrastructure, which will unite the Trans-European and Trans-Asian
networks, the minister said. Construction of a new International Sea
Trade Port and its logistical center will improve the competitiveness
of international transport corridors and transit abilities.
Mammadyarov said that Azerbaijan plays a key role in realizing energy
projects and improving the energy transit, energy security and
development of the OEC economy.
The minister believes that they need to continue the reforms aimed at
efficient operation of the organization.
