Azerbaijan hopes to deepen ties with China
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-01-31 08:41

Azerbaijan hopes to strengthen its relations with China, President Ilham Aliyev said on Monday, when receiving the credentials from new Chinese ambassador Zhang Haizhou, a news release from the Chinese Embassy in Baku said.

Aliyev stressed his country would stick to the one-China principle as it attached great importance to the two nations' relations.

The president said the two sides' political relations remain at a very high level, as cooperation in various fields continues, adding that his country is willing to further cooperation with China in fields such as energy, transportation and the construction of infrastructures.

He also described the relationship with China as a good example in international relations, because mutual respect, understanding and support exists between the two sides.

In response, Zhang spoke highly of Azerbaijan's adherence to the one-China principle, saying China is grateful for Azerbaijan's support in issues such as Taiwan, Tibet and the fight against the East Turkistan pro-independence groups.

China will continue to support Azerbaijan's effort to maintain its independence, sovereignty and integrity of territory, and is willing to strengthen the bilateral relations on the basis of mutual respect and benefit, said the ambassador.