Baku: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Maria K. Papakonstantinou, the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Hellenic Republic to Azerbaijan. The ambassador presented her credentials to the head of state, marking a new chapter in Azerbaijan-Greece diplomatic relations.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, President Aliyev fondly recalled his meetings with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during COP29 in Azerbaijan, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York last September, and at other international events. He highlighted the productive discussions on various aspects of bilateral relations during those meetings and emphasized the importance of maintaining an active political dialogue to further develop Azerbaijan-Greece relations.

The head of state noted that Azerbaijan and Greece cooperate in several areas, including energy security. President Aliyev expressed hope for expanded contacts between business communities and potential mutual investments, indicating that ambassadors from both countries would play a crucial role in advancing the bilateral partnership. He wished Ambassador Papakonstantinou success in her diplomatic mission.

Maria K. Papakonstantinou expressed her honor at being appointed ambassador to Azerbaijan and committed to working towards further developing bilateral relations, particularly in green energy, agriculture, and other fields. She also pointed out the importance of establishing direct air links between the two countries.

During the meeting, both sides acknowledged the significant potential for expanding cooperation in multiple sectors such as politics, economy, energy, investment, transport, culture, art, education, and tourism. They exchanged views on mutual interests, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening ties.