Trend News Middle East Desk conducted interviews Moroccan Ambassador to Azerbaijan Hassan Hami.

Trend News:Mr. Ambassador, you were appointed to this office in Azerbaijan recently. What are your priorities in Azerbaijan?

Hami: First of all, I want to express my gratitude. As you know, the history of relations between our two countries begins in the 1990s. Since then no problems have been seen between our two countries. Both countries support each other in various matters, and mutual opening of embassies in both countries testifies the existence of high ties between our countries. As you know, first in September 2006, the Azerbaijani Embassy was opened in Morocco, and later, in November 2008 the Moroccan Embassy opened in Azerbaijan.

I believe that my stay in Azerbaijan will contribute to further strengthening the relations between our two fraternal countries. Before opening the embassy, our embassy in Ankara had authority with regards to Azerbaijan, and work related to Azerbaijan was carried out there.

Q: As you know, due to Armenian aggression against Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh is occupied. What is the position of official Rabat on the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict?

A: Morocco has always supported Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and confirms the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. At the same time, Morocco is closely following the negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia and the activities of the OSCE Minsk Group. We hope that the ongoing negotiations will soon yield results and the problem will be solved in the near future.

I can say with confidence that stability in Azerbaijan is very important for the stability of the region.

Q: What is the level of trade and economic cooperation between our countries? What is Morocco ready to offer Azerbaijan as an economic partner?

A: First of all, it needs to pay attention to the current legal basis for the existence and expansion of bilateral economic ties. In fact, the two countries have signed documents on several economic projects, an agreement on cooperation in the mutual protection and promotion of investments, avoiding double taxation, education and justice, and we expect these projects to be realized.

Q: Azerbaijan is a leading country in the region. How do you assess Azerbaijan's policy pursued in the region?

A: In general, Azerbaijan and Morocco have many similarities. Azerbaijan pursues a balanced dialogue in the region. We support this policy because Morocco is also conducting a similar policy toward neighboring countries and the region. I think Azerbaijan's policy is commendable. Dialogue and balanced policy are the guarantees of peace in the country and the world. In fact, the current policy is not something new for the Azerbaijani diplomacy. The efforts of the Azerbaijani diplomats with whom I met in Washington, New York, and Baku, to protect the national interests of the country, especially on international recognition of the truth about the Nagorno-Karabakh, are irreplaceable.


We also fully support the Azerbaijani diplomacy in this matter and believe that justice is on your side.

I want to say that the role and importance of Azerbaijan in the region are indispensable. The existence of stability in Azerbaijan is very important also for Morocco, which imparts importance to relations with Baku.


Q: Morocco is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), and Azerbaijan also wants to become a member of this organization. What help can Morocco assist Azerbaijan in its way to join the organization?

A: As you know, the WTO was established in Morocco. Naturally, Morocco will share its experience in the WTO with Azerbaijan.

Morocco has played an active and leading role in all processes. Morocco also may be considered as the WTO headquarters. Therefore, I can confidently say that if Azerbaijan expressed the desire, Morocco is ready to share its experiences. As you know, countries wishing to join the WTO must go through certain stages and fulfill obligations. Presently, I do not have full information about at what stage is question of Azerbaijan's membership in the WTO. But, I believe the country takes significant steps to enter the WTO and becoming a member, Azerbaijan will play an important role in this organization.