FM meets new British Ambassador

Laurie Bristow, new British Ambassador to Azerbaijan, presented a copy of his credentials to Foreign Minister Vilayat Guliyev on Monday.

Congratulating the Ambassador on his new appointment, Guliyev characterized relationships between United Kingdom and Azerbaijan as traditionally friendly ones.

He voiced his confidence that the newly appointed Ambassador would take advantage of his experience in strengthening the bilateral relationships and development of political, economic, cultural and humanitarian relations. The Foreign Minister also updated Bristow on the socio-political situation in the country, democratic and economic reforms underway, as well as activities directed at solving the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Upper Garabagh, Azerbaijan's participation in combating international terrorism and cooperation with international organizations in this respect.

The British diplomat, in his turn, expressed his hope that bilateral friendly and business relations would be consolidated and expanded during his term in office.

Stressing that the United Kingdom highly appreciates Azerbaijan's part in the international anti-terror coalition, the Ambassador voiced his hope for quick resolution of the Upper Garabagh conflict peacefully through combined efforts of the international community.

Bristow is scheduled to present his credentials to President Ilham Aliyev in the next few days.*