Azerbaijan, Baku /corr Trend A.Aliyeva / Trend's exclusive interview with Ambassador of Egypt Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary to Azerbaijan, Youssef Ahmed El Sharkawy
Question: What are you views on Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's forthcoming visit to Arab Republic of Egypt scheduled for 6-8 May?
Answer: The Azerbaijani President's visit to Egypt is great significance. First, it is a result of periodical consultations between the two Presidents. Another important factor making the visit significant is the will of Presidents of Azerbaijan and Egypt, Ilham Aliyev and Hosni Mubarek to hold an exchange of opinions on most important aspects of bilateral relationships for both countries. Moreover, the two countries have excellent friendly relationships, as well as political will for the development of these bonds.
During the visit it is planned to sign several documents on cooperation between Azerbaijan and Egypt in the spheres of tourism, youth policy and sports, education and other spheres. Moreover, heads of two countries to discuss some aspects of regional and international cooperation.
As you understand, the Arab Republic of Egypt is a leading country in the Near East and its diplomacy differs for special activity. I want especially to note intensive visits paid representatives from 69 countries, including heads of states and high-ranking diplomats over the past 3 months.
Question: How could you explain such interests towards Egypt?
Answer: Firstly, it is explained with the aspiration of other countries to establish active economic cooperation with Egypt. Secondly, leaders of these countries are interested in Egyptian President's position on political issues, in particular, its activity towards the conflicts. It is not secret that Egypt, a leading country in the Near East region, puts every effort in the resolution of the Arabic-Israeli conflict.
Question: What is the most important for Azerbaijan in the relationships with Egypt?
Answer: Furthermore, both countries have relationships a many-century-long history of, especially, in the spheres of education and culture, Azerbaijan well realizes the important role of Egypt in UN, the Organization of the Islamic Conference and international organizations.
You can also ask whether why Azerbaijan is interesting for Egypt. We well understand that Azerbaijan claims at the role of leader in the Caucasus region amid its huge economic prospects. The same can be said about our country. Both Azerbaijan and Egypt have a favorable climate. At present Egypt's economy sees big inflow of investments from every point of the world. The similar tendency is observed in Azerbaijan. So, the during the forthcoming visit we have a set an important goal of intensifying the contacts between the business circles of Azerbaijan and Egypt, assist in the capital investing in the economy of Egypt and Azerbaijan. In this respect I initiated the establishment of special body - a Council, which will promote the development of cooperation between entrepreneurs of the two countries.
Question: Will the Council that you propose act separately from the Azerbaijani-Egyptian intergovernmental commission?
Answer: There is a joint intergovernmental commission cooperation between Egypt and Azerbaijan in the economic, technological and scientific sphere, which functions very effectively. The commission is headed by Heydar Babayev, the Azerbaijani Economic Development, and the Egyptian Minister for Economic Cooperation, Faiz Abu El Naga. The Council that I propose should become a mechanism for intensifying contacts between the businessmen of the two countries.
Question: Is it a private body?
Answer: Right. This Council could be called NGO, as well. Such method was experienced by Egypt and was very effective with respect to other countries. It would be appropriate to remind of active relationships between the Chamber of Commerce of Azerbaijan and Egypt.
Question: Which spheres of economy could be regarded as most prospective for cooperation?
Answer: They can be different spheres, for instance the oil field. Both Egypt and Azerbaijan possesses great experience in the development of oil sector. Moreover, Egypt has definite experience in the sphere of information technology. Pharmaceutics is well developed in the country. The pharmaceutical products differ for quality and relatively lower prices as compared to world prices. There is potential for cooperation in the sphere of construction. The Egyptian constructers actively operate in the African and Arab countries. Egypt plans to construct a clinic in Azerbaijan and some steps have been taken in this direction. So, the Government takes every effort, while representatives from business circles should benefit these opportunities properly. At present our efforts are directed at opening a direct flight between Egypt and Azerbaijan via Sharmansheikh.
As to the cooperation between our countries, I have to note the high level of political partnership. The regular consultations are held at the level of heads of state. The Foreign Ministers of both countries regularly meet within the framework of different international forums. Political consultations between Egypt and Azerbaijan were held three times during the last two years.
I would like to touch upon the bilateral cooperation in education and culture as well. At present about 200 Azerbaijani students study at the universities of Egypt. Since the beginning of 2007, some 16 Egyptian students have left for Azerbaijan to study at different Azerbaijani state universities. The ever first Egyptian culture week held in Azerbaijan this year is an evident proof for the active culture cooperation. Furthermore, the days of Azerbaijani culture were held in Egypt in November, 2005.