Novruz Memmedov becomes Azerbaijan's new prime minister

By Ruslan Rehimov and Aynur Ekiz

BAKU, Azerbaijan

Novruz Memmedov, a foreign policy aide to Azerbaijan’s president, became the nation's new prime minister on Saturday.

The Azerbaijani parliament convened to designate the new prime minister, and Parliament Speaker Oktay Asadov announced that President Ilham Aliyev proposed Memmedov for the post.

Memmedov was then elected the new prime minister by 113 votes.

In remarks following the vote, Memmedov expressed gratitude for the confidence shown in him.

Turkish Premier Binali Yildirim also sent a message congratulating Memmedov on his election, according to Turkish Prime Ministry sources.