ALIYEV HAILS "GREAT EFFORT" OF CHINESE OIL COMPANIES IN AZERBAIJAN

Text of report in English by Azerbaijani news agency Assa-Irada

Baku, 5 April: President Ilham Aliyev received Zhang Xiyun, the Chinese ambassador to Azerbaijan, on Monday [5 April]. The Chinese diplomat extended best regards from the chairman of the People's Republic of China to the Azerbaijani president.

Highly appreciating friendly relations between Azerbaijan and China, President Aliyev recalled his meetings with top officials of China, including the Chinese foreign minister at the UN General Assembly.

Touching upon bilateral relations, Aliyev stressed that Chinese oil companies were conducting successful activities in Azerbaijan. "Maybe, these companies have come to Azerbaijan a bit late. However, they are operating with great effort and have signed beneficial contracts," Aliyev underlined.

Admitting that China possesses great potential, the Azerbaijani president said that this country was progressing rapidly, appreciating the increasing tendency of applying up-to-date technologies. At the end of the meeting President Aliyev asked the ambassador to convey his best regards to the chairman of the People's Republic of China.

Source: Assa-Irada, Baku, in English 1930 gmt 5 Apr 04

BBC Mon TCU 060404 gc