President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received a delegation led by Ying Yong, Prosecutor General of the Supreme People's Procuratorate of the People's Republic of China, on September 2.

Operativ Media reports that the delegation includes Chen Yong, Prosecutor of Shanghai; Zhao Tiezhi, Prosecutor of Jiangsu Province; and Shen Jian, Prosecutor of Gansu Province.

Speaking at the meeting, President Ilham Aliyev said:

"Welcome. I know your visit is coming to an end. You are making a very important visit to Azerbaijan. I am confident that your visit has been highly successful. This visit will serve to further develop our relations in all areas. I hope you leave our country with pleasant impressions. We consider your visit highly significant within the framework of our strategic partnership.

As you know, since April, China and Azerbaijan have been operating within a comprehensive strategic partnership. I recall with great gratitude the hospitality shown to me during my state visit to your country last year. My discussions with President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping and other high-level officials demonstrate once again that both countries consider each other very good friends.

We are very pleased to see the great interest of Chinese companies in operating in Azerbaijan. Since April, there has been continuous mutual travel between our countries. Chinese companies are actively participating in projects in Azerbaijan both as investors and contractors. Many important projects have already been implemented, and many others are underway.

Of course, the strong mutual support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both countries clearly demonstrates the commitment of China and Azerbaijan to the norms of international law. Yesterday, at the high-level meeting in the 'SCO plus' format in Bishkek, President Xi Jinping spoke about legal norms, rules of conduct, international relations, and the equality of every country on the global map. We fully agree with this very clear vision. Mutual support, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equal representation of every country worldwide, and a policy focused on cooperation rather than confrontation fully align with our strategy.

Of course, an important segment of our cooperation is connectivity. The 'Belt and Road' initiative, implemented at the initiative of President Xi Jinping, is fully supported by Azerbaijan. We demonstrate this not only through statements but also with practical steps. Today, connectivity between Central Asia, Azerbaijan, and China is an important factor in global cooperation and security. Last month, I paid state visits to two Central Asian countries. Next month, I will visit a third Central Asian country, and connectivity is naturally a major part of our talks. Here, China is a key player in terms of cargo volume.

We see great potential for cooperation and strong partnership in the area of your direct responsibility. I am glad that you will spend a few days here to hold talks with your colleagues, get acquainted with the country, and get to know Azerbaijan better.

Finally, the last point relates to a sign of friendship and mutual trust: the elimination of visa requirements for travel to both countries. Now, our citizens can travel without any visa requirements. This is also a very important sign of friendship. I extend my best wishes to you and wish you a safe return to your country."

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Then, Ying Yong, Prosecutor General of the Supreme People's Procuratorate of China, spoke and said:

"Your Excellency, Mr. President Ilham Aliyev.

I am leading a Chinese delegation of prosecutors visiting Azerbaijan at the invitation of Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev. Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev attaches great importance to exchanges and cooperation with our prosecution authorities, strongly encouraging both prosecution bodies to strengthen friendship and cooperation.

I am leading the delegation visiting Azerbaijan. This is a concrete step to implement the important common understanding to promote the comprehensive strategic partnership between our two leaders and to strengthen cooperation between the prosecution authorities and judicial systems of the two countries.

Two days ago, I met with Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova, Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev, and Chairman of the Supreme Court Inam Karimov. Our meetings were highly productive. I am pleased that you have spared your valuable time to receive me and my delegation after your participation in the 'SCO plus' format event. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you on behalf of the prosecution authorities and on my own behalf.

Before the visit, I reported to President Xi Jinping that our delegation would be received by you during our visit to Azerbaijan. President Xi Jinping asked me to convey his warm greetings and best wishes to you.

Mr. President, China and Azerbaijan are sincere friends, equal partners, and countries building cooperation based on mutual benefit. National Leader of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev laid a solid foundation for friendly relations between the two countries. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, both countries, adhering to the principles of mutual respect, justice, equality, and cooperation, as well as relations based on mutual benefit, have achieved the formation of deep friendship and mutual trust."

President Ilham Aliyev expressed his gratitude for the greetings of President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping and asked to convey his greetings to President Xi Jinping.