Economic reforms carried out by Poland and other Eastern European countries play a practical and exemplary role for the Republic of Azerbaijan which pursues the strategic line of democratic and legal state building, transition to free economic relations.
An official visit of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Haydar Aliyev to Poland at the invitation of the President of Polish Republic Alexander Kvasnevsky, on 26-28 August, 1997 is of great significance from the point of all-around relations.
During the visit, the presidents discussed the issues on the development of bilateral relations and the international issues. Haydar Aliyev mentioned that cooperation between Azerbaijan and Poland was an important part of his foreign policy.
After the meeting, the two leaders took part at ceremony of the signature of documents between the two countries. A declaration on «Friendship and Cooperation» was signed between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Poland. As well as a convention on Avoiding Double Taxation, Prevention of Fiscal Evasions from Payment of Incomes and Property Taxes»; a protocol on the Cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Two Countries»; agreements on Cultural and Scientific Cooperation, Mutual Agitation and Protection of Investments, Civil Air Transports, Cooperation in the Field of Tourism were signed between two countries.
On August 26, after signing the documents on cooperation in different fields between Azerbaijan and Poland, Alexander Kvanevsky, President of Polish Republic mentioned particularly that his country was interested in cooperation with Azerbaijan in all the spheres.
On August 27, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Haydar Aliyev met Yuzef Zikh, chairman of the Polish parliament. During the talks, Haydar Aliyev mentioned that Azerbaijan highly appreciated Poland`s position in «Partnership for Peace» program of NATO and considered Poland its important partner in Europe. Referring to Nagorno Karabakh conflict the Azerbaijani President gave comprehensive information to the chairman of the Polish parliament. He drew attention of the chairman to the occupation of the Azerbaijani territories by the aggressive Armenia, as well as violation of norms of the international law by Armenia.
On August 27, Haydar Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan,met also Zofiya Kuratovskaya, vise chairman of the Polish Senate and discussed the socio-political relations between the two countries and the aggressive policy of Armenia, as well.
During his official visit to Poland, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Haydar Aliyev met the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Poland Vladimir Cimosevic at «Beldever» Palace on August 27. During the meeting, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan mentioned that he paid great attention to the cooperation with all the world countries, as well as Poland.
On August 27, during the meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland Darius Rosati President of Republic of Azerbaijan Haydar Aliyev expressed his hope that in the nearest future the Nagorno Karabakh problem would be fairly solved by OSCE.
Within the framework of the official visit to Poland, during his interview to «Jiche Warsaw» newspaper, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Haydar Alieyv touched upon the issues as Nagorno Karabakh conflict, «Contract of the Century», economic reforms in Azerbaijan, involvement of foreign investments in the country, etc.. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Haydar Aliyev expressed his pleasure connected with his visit to Warsaw and noted that the establishment of direct relations between the two countries was positive: «The results are too positive. I`m very pleased. For the first time we created direct relations. This is the first official visit of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Poland and as President Kvasnevsky mentions it is a historical event. I agree with his thoughts. For many centuries our nations have being communicated with each other. Yesterday, we gave facts on the commercial and economic relations between our nations in the Middle ages and in XV centuries as well. However, as an independent state Azerbaijan makes its first official visit to Poland in the person of its President. The fact in itself is of great political significance. We had very useful and interesting talks. On many international issues, including the security in Europe, Azerbaijan shares the position of Poland.»
Today the Azerbaijani-Polish relations increase in the level of strategic cooperation. Expansion of existing relations with Poland, which is a member of NATO, European Union and other authoritative international organizations, is of great significance. Poland is for the fair solution of the Armenina-Azerbaijani Nagorno Karabakh conflict within the framework of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan and on the basis of the norms of international law.