Azerbaijan is interested in intensifying economic relations with Macedonia and in investing in Macedonian economy - underlined today’s bilateral meeting in Baku between the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov and President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev.

At the meeting held on the 17th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Macedonia and Azerbaijan, both presidents expressed satisfaction with the bilateral cooperation and agreed that relations are friendly and are progressing with a positive dynamics. They pledged to further intensify relations, especially political dialogue and high level meetings. President Aliyev invited President Ivanov to pay an official state visit. The Macedonian President accepted the invitation and also invited President Aliyev to visit the Republic of Macedonia. Presidents Ivanov and Aliyev addressed the need to strengthen the legal framework for further development of relations, which will enable legal defining of cooperation in the area of economy, tourism, science and education. They concluded that the legal framework will be an incentive to link the economic entities of both countries. At the meeting they expressed interest in deepening cooperation in the sphere of energy. President Aliyev informed President Ivanov on energy and gas projects which are being implemented and planned in the Caspian region and Europe. Macedonian President informed President Aliyev on Macedonia’s investment opportunities. President Aliev suggested organizing joint business forums and meetings very soon, as well as joint inter-governmental economic committees, stressing that he would like to see Azerbaijani companies in Macedonia very soon. President Ivanov congratulated President Aliyev on the accelerated economic growth of Azerbaijan, which has become one of the leading economies in the Caspian region.

The two presidents discussed the possibility of reciprocal visa-free regime, given the fact that Macedonia has temporarily lifted visa requirements for Azerbaijan, for one year, in the period from March 2012 to March 2013. Both presidents expressed confidence that it would soon be realized.

The Macedonian President congratulated the Azerbaijani counterpart for the organization of the Crans Montana Forum, which is dedicated this year to energy issues and policies. President Ivanov tomorrow, at the official opening of the 23rd session of the Forum, will deliver his address on a topic related to energy issue. The Spouse of the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Maja Ivanova, will address the special plenary session devoted to human rights, gender equality and education, organized in cooperation with UNESCO and ISESCO, chaired by the First Lady of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mehriban Aliyeva. The session is titled "Women's Rights Are Human Rights, Human Rights and Women's Rights".

Crans Montana Forum was founded in 1986 to ensure broad international cooperation and networking of economic actors worldwide and to contribute to the global economic growth, providing a stability, equality and security. Activities and events within the forum focus on creating platforms that will enable political and business leaders to implement their strategies, strengthen partnerships and develop new cooperation opportunities. The Forum works closely with international partner- institutions, such as the agencies of the United Nations, European Union, Council of Europe, etc. To date, the Forum has brought together more than 77,000 delegates worldwide.