Khankendi: Azerbaijan's Khankendi city, along with the Aghdara and Khojaly districts, has entered into a sister-city agreement with Romania's Maramure? County and Baia Mare region to enhance cooperation in various spheres, including economic, investment, cultural-humanitarian, and sports.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the agreement was reached during an official visit to Romania by Elchin Yusubov, the Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Khankendi and the Aghdara and Khojaly districts. Yusubov met with Gabriel-Valer Zetea, President of the Maramure? County Council, to discuss strengthening the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Romania at the regional level and fostering broad cooperation across the Garabagh and Maramure? regions.
Yusubov emphasized Azerbaijan's interest, particularly from Khankendi and the surrounding districts, in building mutually beneficial relationships with European nations. He provided insights into ongoing reconstruction and infrastructure projects in Garabagh and East Zangezur, highlighting potential investment opportunities for foreign investors.
The Azerbaijani delegation extended an invitation to Zetea for an official visit to Garabagh, which he accepted, noting that regional cooperation would significantly enhance bilateral relations. He also expressed a strong interest in drawing Azerbaijani investors to projects in Maramure?.
Discussions included plans for holding reciprocal Regional Days in Garabagh and Maramure?, organizing a business forum to connect businesspeople from both regions, and exploring economic and investment opportunities jointly. Yusubov described ongoing reconstruction efforts under President Ilham Aliyev's leadership as historic, emphasizing peace and stability in the region.
The Azerbaijani delegation also engaged with Ioan-Doru Dancu?, Mayor of Baia Mare, to discuss ways to establish and strengthen links between Baia Mare and Khankendi. They explored joint projects, expertise exchanges, investment opportunities, and cooperation in cultural, humanitarian, and sports sectors. Mayor Dancu? suggested identifying specific cooperation avenues with Azerbaijan and developing partnerships with Azerbaijani companies.
Yusubov pointed out the similarities between Khankendi and Baia Mare in terms of geography, natural environment, and heritage, underscoring Khankendi's importance as a political, economic, and cultural hub in Garabagh. He highlighted the strategic and economic significance of ongoing projects in Garabagh for the region and European nations.
Romanian officials were invited for an official visit to Azerbaijan, including Garabagh, with both sides agreeing to sign a twinning agreement between Baia Mare and Khankendi. The meetings marked a significant step toward strengthening ties between the Garabagh and Maramure? regions and enhancing economic and investment cooperation.