Azerbaijan is interested in intensifying business relations with Macedonia and investments in the country's economy, said Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev at Thursday's meeting with Macedonian counterpart Gjorge Ivanov, media reports from Baku.

The meeting, held at the 17. anniversary from the establishment of Macedonia-Azerbaijan diplomatic ties, focused on bilateral cooperation, with interlocutors agreeing relations are friendly and developing in the positive direction.

Ivanov and Aliyev voiced commitment over further intensification of relations, especially political dialogue and high-level meetings. They referred to the necessity for enhancement of the legal framework in the spheres of economy, tourism, science and education.

Aliyev referred to the current and pending energy and gas projects in the Caspian region and Europe, whereas Ivanov briefed on Macedonia's investment opportunities.

Interlocutors also reviewed the possibility over a reciprocal visa-free regime.

Moreover, President Ivanov congratulated his Azerbaijani colleague on hosting the Crans Montana Forum, which focuses this year on perspectives of public and private governance with energy potentials as well as creating new and sustainable energy policies related to production, distribution and safety.

President Gjorge Ivanov will deliver an address at Friday's official opening of the forum on topic "How to build a better World despite the perverse effects of Globalization? - The two key Challenges: Fighting Poverty and Improving the Management of Public Affairs."

Macedonia's First Lady Maja Ivanova will deliver an address at the special plenary session "Women’s rights are human rights and human rights are women’s rights" dedicated to human rights, gender equality and education co-organised with UNESCO and ISESCO and chaired by First Lady of Azerbaijan, Mehriban Aliyeva.

The Crans Montana Forum is a Swiss International Organization created in Crans Montana (Switzerland) in 1986. It works for the promotion of international cooperation and contributes to global growth while ensuring a high level of stability, equity and security. The aim is also to foster the best practices and ensure a global dialogue. The organisation closely cooperates with the UN, UNESCO, UNIDO, ISESCO, the European Union, the Council of Europe, OFID, as well as with major international groups.