Rasi and Aliyev Discuss Strategic Ties and Slovak Investments

Baku/Bratislava, 13 May (TASR) - House Chair Richard Rasi met Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Baku on Wednesday to discuss further development of the strategic partnership between their two countries, TASR learnt from Rasi's Facebook post. "We discussed energy security, support for Slovak investments, and new opportunities for Slovak companies in Azerbaijan," wrote Rasi, adding that the strategic partnership between Slovakia and Azerbaijan is delivering tangible results. The talks also covered the 'smart village' project in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, in which Slovak experts are involved. "I'm pleased that Slovak companies are capable of implementing modern projects even far beyond our country's borders," said Rasi. On Friday, the Slovak House chair is due to visit the region, which was previously controlled by Armenian separatists. He's set to visit the village of Bash Garvand in Agdam district. Slovakia has become the first country to secure a state contract for implementing a smart village project in the Karabakh region. Rasi is also expected to sign a memorandum of understanding with Speaker of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan Sahiba Gafarova. According to Rasi, the move should provide an institutional foundation for bilateral relations and establish a clear and lasting framework for cooperation in the coming years. mf/df