BAKU, May 12. /ITAR-TASS/. Azerbaijan and France have signed seven documents on cooperation in transport, energy, agriculture, science, gender policy and education.

Presidents of Azerbaijan and France, Ilkham Aliyev and Francois Hollande, have made a joint statement. It determines key trends of future relations between the two countries, Aliyev said.

He noted the high level of Azerbaijani-French political relations. “Our positions on major international issues coincide to a large extent,” Aliyev told a news conference on Monday.

Commenting on economic interaction, he said trade volume between the two countries had reached almost two billion dollars.

Contracts worth $2-2.5 billion are expected to be signed, according to Aliye.

“There are good prospects for carrying out joint projects in transport, communications and tourism,” he said.

Azerbaijan will continue contributing to Europe’s energy security. “Projects for developing the Shakh Deniz gas field, building the Trans-Anatolian and Trans-Adriatic gas pipelines are priority for Europe. A total of 45 billion dollars will be invested in them. Their implementation will change the energy world map,” Aliyev said.

Azerbaijan is one of France’s major partners, primarily in the energy sector, Hollande said.

Many oil and gas companies “want to take part in projects in Azerbaijan”, he said.

French companies show interest in projects in such areas as urban development, foodstuffs and waste disposal in Azerbaijan, Hollande said.

France is also ready to help Azerbaijan stage the 2015 First European Games and Formula 1’s European Grand Prix in 2016, he said.