The 7th International Conference on Cities on the Silk Road was held in Xi'an

The 7th International Conference on Cities along the Silk Road Economic Forum was held as part of the ongoing Eurasian Economic Forum in Xi'an.

A delegation led by the head of the Sumgait City Executive Power Zakir Farajov represented Azerbaijan at the conference on "Challenges for Co-ordination for Mutual Profit".

Mayor of Xi'an Li Minyuan stressed the importance of strengthening economic, trade, humanitarian and cultural ties between the cities led by the conference and the various cities along the Silk Road Economic Belt, which are part of the "One Belt, One Road" strategy.

Video clips on the cities represented, including Sumgait, were shown at the event.  Then the city leaders made speeches.

Noting that the history of the Azerbaijani-Chinese relations is based on the Great Silk Road, the head of the Sumgait Dialogue, Zakir Farajov, said that the Azerbaijani leadership attaches great importance to bilateral relations with China and is interested in deepening and expanding these ties in all areas.  He noted that the Azerbaijani-Chinese relations, characterized by high dynamics of development and exemplary, are characterized as multi-faceted partnerships based on friendship and mutual trust.

1. Farajov stressed that Azerbaijan is one of the first countries to support the "One Pipeline, One Path" initiative initiated by Chinese President Xi Jinping. recalled that a Memorandum of Understanding on joint promotion of the creation of the company was signed. He said that participating in the 2nd International Cooperation Forum "One Belt, One Road" held in Beijing in April of this year, President Ilham Aliyev once again showed full support for Azerbaijan's initiative.

It was noted that the Republic of Azerbaijan has always adhered to the principle of "United China" and has always supported it.  Our people highly appreciate the support of the People's Republic of China to the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.

Giving information about Sumgayit, its modern development and industrial potential, Zakir Farajov said that the city is an industrial center of Azerbaijan's chemical and petrochemical industry, electricity, food and light industry, building materials production.  Sumgait is the second largest industrial center in the South Caucasus.  Apart from being established as an industrial center on the coast of Sumgait, large social and infrastructure projects are also being implemented there.  Geographical location and economic potential increase the city's investment attractiveness.  The President called on Chinese companies to invest in Sumgait.

Speaking about international relations of Sumgait, Farajov said that the city cooperates with more than 20 cities in 15 countries.

During the meeting of the Azerbaijani delegation with the Mayor of Xi'an Li Minyuan, the sides exchanged views on the development of cooperation between Sumgait and Xi'an, the historic Silk Road.

It was noted that the Summit Protocol on the establishment of friendly relations between Sumgait and Xi'an, signed in July this year, will facilitate the intensification of economic and humanitarian relations between our cities, deepening cooperation in trade, tourism and tourism.

1. Farajov conveyed congratulations on the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the People's Republic of China this year. He invited the government of Xi'an to participate in the events to be held on this occasion in Azerbaijan.