Azeri President Ilham Aliyev received Henry Kerali, the World Bank's Regional Director for the South Caucasus, state news agency Azartac said.

Aliyev and Kerali discussed the expansion of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the World Bank.

Aliyev said the development of the non-oil sector and industry is a priority of the new five-year strategy of Azerbaijan, adding that his government is taking measures to improve the position of the middle class in the country.

The meeting also addressed issues relating to the expansion of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the World Bank, including in the sphere of the agro-industrial sector, culture, and other areas.