Baku: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with President of the Republic of Bulgaria Iliana Iotova on May 17, APA reports. The meeting highlighted the ongoing cooperation and strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the Bulgarian President recalled her previous discussions with President Aliyev during the Munich Security Conference in February, describing them as fruitful. She emphasized the significance of Azerbaijan's role in hosting the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), especially amid global conflicts. Bulgaria's representation at this event, led by heads of various Bulgarian municipalities, underscores the importance of this platform.

President Aliyev expressed his gratitude for the congratulations, reiterating the importance of the World Urban Forum as a venue for addressing urbanization challenges globally. President Iotova highlighted energy cooperation, particularly the "Solidarity Ring" project, as a key area of collaboration. She praised the Bulgarian language education in Azerbaijan and acknowledged the humanitarian efforts of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in Bulgaria, including the sister-city relationship between Veliko Tarnovo and Shusha, and the establishment of Shusha Park.

President Iotova also expressed gratitude for the Heydar Aliyev Foundation's support in restoring the "Trapezitsa" Architectural Museum Reserve in Bulgaria. The meeting underscored the mutual respect and trust that underpin the cooperation between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria, with discussions on expanding relations in energy, agriculture, tourism, and other sectors.

The Presidents also addressed the constructive cooperation between their nations within various international organizations, exchanging views on other pressing matters on the bilateral agenda.