Baku, 5 February 2022 (TDI): Yesterday, on February 4, Jeyhun Bayramov, the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan, was called on by the European Union (EU) Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement, Oliver Varhelyi. The two met at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Baku, Azerbaijan.
FOREIGN MINISTER’S COMMENTS
During the course of this diplomatic exchange, both parties discussed the past, present, and future of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and the EU. Minister Bayramov commented that as a result of equal partnership, ties are constantly evolving for the better.
He made specific mentions of the VIII meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor Consultative Council. EU Commissioners were active participants in this conference, and the results proved fruitful. Jeyhun Bayramov expressed his satisfaction in Azerbaijan’s strategic partnership with the EU in the energy sector.
Moreover, the Azerbaijani Minister also described to his interlocutor about the ongoing regional conflicts. With particular reference to the political clash with neighboring Armenia, Bayramov noted that efforts were being made to normalize relations. He also touched upon the boundary delimitation process and the great risk of landmines associated with it.
Additionally, the Minister briefed the Commissioner on the current reconstruction projects ongoing in the region. He suggested the potential for the EU to make contributions in this facet.
EU COMMISSIONER’S REMARKS
Meanwhile, Commissioner Varhelyi affirmed that strategic partnership with Azerbaijan was of utmost significance to the European Union. However, he remarked, there was room for further strengthening of cooperation.
He expressed the EU’s firm trust and reliance on Azerbaijan. Furthermore, he added that a financial package of 2 billion euros had been entrusted to Azerbaijan under the economic investment plan. In addition to this, the EU was considering implementing certain projects.
With reference to Bayramov’s earlier suggestions about EU’s contributions to regional reconstruction work, Varhelyi expressed that the EU was at Azerbaijan’s service in this regard, and was ready to provide its resources and assistance.
In addition to this, both sides also shared thoughts on issues of regional security, energy partnership, economic relations, and transport and communication. They discussed the avenues in which they would collaborate in these spheres.
Lastly, the two agreed that there was an urgent need for Azerbaijan and the EU to conclude negotiations on a new agreement. This would eventually form the legal basis of relations.
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