BEIJING, April 23. /TASS/. China is ready to increase cooperation with Azerbaijan in matters of protecting law and order and security, Chinese President Xi Jinping said at a meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Beijing, the Xinhua news agency reported.
"Mutual firm support on issues affecting each other's core interests is a good tradition of Chinese-Azerbaijani relations, as well as an integral part of the strategic partnership. China supports Azerbaijan's efforts to protect national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, as well as to continue the development path that suits the country's national characteristics. We are ready to deepen cooperation with Azerbaijan in the field of law and order and security, and resolutely combat the "three evil forces" (terrorism, extremism and separatism - TASS)," the Chinese leader said.
According to him, relations between the countries, despite the changing international situation, are only getting stronger over time.
"The parties need to further strengthen political trust, deepen practical cooperation, closely interact in the international arena and open a new chapter of the comprehensive partnership between China and Azerbaijan <...>," Xi Jinping said, also pointing out the importance of further promoting cooperation on education, culture, tourism, youth exchanges and interregional relations.
In turn, as reported by Xinhua, Ilham Aliyev drew attention to China's progress in socio-economic development and the growth of its international status and influence. He also noted that Azerbaijan and China adhere to the principles of mutual trust and respect in bilateral relations, deepen cooperation, develop trade and economic relations and expand interregional exchanges. Ilham Aliyev also reaffirmed Azerbaijan's firm commitment to the "one China" principle. The President of Azerbaijan arrived in China on a three-day state visit on April 22. Following his meeting with Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People, the countries signed 20 cooperation agreements, in particular, in such areas as the digital economy, intellectual property, astronautics and a number of others.