H. Quelle: Occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh and Seven Districts Damaging Azerbaijan

The German government supports the expansion of cooperation with Azerbaijan in all spheres, and believes that this is possible, German Ambassador Herbert Quelle said, speaking yesterday at a reception on the occasion of the national holiday - the Day of German Unity.

"Relations between our countries are developing well. Azerbaijan occupies the 7th place among the suppliers of raw materials to Germany. In turn, Germany exported products at 830 million euros to Azerbaijan in 2011. Establishment in the near future of the German-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce will give a strong impetus to the economic exchange," said Quelle.

Referring to the Karabakh conflict, he noted that "the occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh and seven districts is harmful to the development of Azerbaijan." Germany supports Azerbaijan's efforts to resolve the conflict peacefully.

In addition, Germany is cooperating with Azerbaijan in the fight against international terrorism, the development of market economy, strengthening the rule of law and democracy.

The German organizations GTZ and KfW actively work with partners in Azerbaijan in the implementation of development programs.

Regarding cooperation between Azerbaijan and the European institutions, the Ambassador noted the continuation of negotiations on signing the Association Agreement and the development of cultural ties.

Quelle said that 7 years later there will be 200 years since the establishment of the first German settlement in Azerbaijan - Helenendorf. -06D-