Azeri, German foreign ministries hold political consultations
Azerbaijani and German Foreign Ministries have held political consultations in Baku.
The Azerbaijani delegation headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Khalaf Khalafov and the delegation of Germany headed by special representative for Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia, Antje Leendertse, Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry said.
Khalafov noted with satisfaction the high level of relations
between Azerbaijan and Germany in the political, economic, cultural
and humanitarian fields. Khalafov said that Germany is a country of
strategic importance for Azerbaijan and stressed the great
potential for deepening existing relationships. He also noted the
importance of expanding relations between the parliaments of the
two countries and stressed that it is an important part of
bilateral relations.
Khalafov touched upon the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict and spoke
about the current status of peace talks. He noted that Armenia,
under various pretexts, is delaying settlement of the conflict by
peaceful means. Noting that the current status quo is unacceptable
for Azerbaijan, Khalafov said that delaying the conflict is the
main obstacle to the region's integration into the Euro-Atlantic
space. For resolving of the conflict, first, Armenian armed forces
must withdraw from the occupied territories of Azerbaijan and the
refugees must return to their homeland.
Antje Leendertse expressed satisfaction with his visit to
Azerbaijan and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two
countries in various fields. Leendertse noted that Azerbaijan is
considered a strategic partner for Germany and stressed that such
consultations contribute to the expansion of existing
relationship.
Leendertse highlighted the existing opportunities between the two
countries in the economic field, pointing out that
Azerbaijani-German Chamber of Commerce will start work soon.
Leendertse also noted Azerbaijan's role in the energy security of
Europe and stressed the importance of cooperation in this field. He
commended the achievements of Azerbaijan in the process of
integration into the Euro-Atlantic area and stated that Azerbaijan
plays a constructive role in the UN and other international
organizations.