Azerbaijan President To Visit Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 22 (Bernama) - Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev has accepted an invitation from Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin to a state visit to Malaysia.

The country's ambassador to Malaysia, Tahir Karimov said the date of the visit would be determined later.

He said the visit, aimed at further strengthening and consolidating two-way ties, would be the first official visit by an Azerbaijan president to Malaysia and the Southeast Asian region.

"The president has accepted the invitation with great pleasure…the visit will definetly elevate Azerbaijan-Malaysia ties," Karimov told Bernama here.

Aliyev, 46, succeeded his father, Heydar Aliyev in October 2003 as the president of the oil and gas-rich republic.

Malaysia and Azerbaijan estabilished diplomatic ties in 1992.

"President Aliyev places greater importance on strengthening Baku-Kuala Lumpur ties in various fields.

"The president looks forward to a successful visit…we believe the visit can contribute positively to mutual benefit in all spheres," said Karimov.

Two years ago, Azerbaijan submitted seven memoranda of understanding to Malaysia, containing proposals to enhance bilateral cooperation and relationship. Among them are the establishment of a joint commission, double taxation agreement and cultural and educational agreements.

Located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, Azerbaijan with some 8.6 million people, is the largest and most populous country in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia.

Azerbaijan declared independence from the then Soviet Union in October 1991.