“Events like the European Games will allow people to get to know how a dynamic and modern country Azerbaijan is”

Slovak parliamentarian, head of the Slovak delegation to PACE, member of Slovakia-Azerbaijan friendship group Olga Nachtmannova’s interview with APA

-  What is the purpose of your visit to Azerbaijan?

- We came to this country to become more familiar with the Azerbaijani representatives. We wanted to see Baku. This is my third visit to Baku. For the first time, I came to Azerbaijan as an observer during the presidential elections two years ago. I was surprised at rapid change of Baku. I like this city. It is very dynamic city, and it seems like the city is breathing.

- How do you assess the relations between Azerbaijan and Slovakia?  
                                                                                                          
- There are very good relations between the two countries. There is no obstacle for the cooperation. I hope that we will strengthen cooperation in all fields in the future, especially in the field of economy. As I'm an economist, it is especially important to me. I think that we have to cooperate in the field of education first of all. There are good opportunities for exchange of students between Azerbaijan and Slovakia. Moreover, Slovakia has extensive tourism opportunities. Although Slovakia a small country, it has a lot of resorts. Slovakia is rich in thermal waters. Azerbaijan is an important energy partner for Slovakia, which needs to diversify its energy sources. Slovakia can contribute to Azerbaijan in the construction of hydroelectric power plants as it has a great experience in this field.

- Does Slovakia plan to participate in major energy projects implemented by Azerbaijan?

- Of course, and the best for us would be the realization of Nabucco. Diversification of the gas to be transported to Europe is very essential. If gas and other sources of energy are bought from one source only, the country is going to be dependent.

- What is your role in the development of Slovakia-Azerbaijan relations?

- I am a member of the Slovakia-Azerbaijan friendship group myself. And I have got information about the history of Azerbaijan to some extent. I’ve seen the living conditions of people in Azerbaijan during my previous visits. What I mean is, I’ve seen a lot more here than I thought.

- What is the position of Slovakia with regard to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?

- I always repeat that all norms of international law must be complied with. Territorial integrity in the whole world is the foremost issue for us.

- Azerbaijan is preparing to host the first European Games this year. What advantages do you think it will bring to Azerbaijan?

- I think events of this kind will allow people to get to know how a dynamic and modern country Azerbaijan is. It will show that Azerbaijan is likely to play a big role in many areas, including sports. I wish to Azerbaijan good luck in its future development.