Azerbaijan's participation in EU programs discussed
By Sara Rajabova
The meeting of the Council of European Union held in Luxembourg on April 14 adopted several decisions on Azerbaijan's participation in EU programs, the organization said.
The Council adopted decisions on the signing, provisional application and conclusion of a protocol to the EU-Azerbaijan Partnership and Cooperation Agreement concerning a Framework Agreement between the EU and Azerbaijan on general principles for the participation of Azerbaijan in Union programs.
On June 22, 1999 Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (signed on April 22, 1996 in Luxemburg) between the EU member-states and Azerbaijan entered into force, thus signifying a higher level of cooperation between EU countries and Azerbaijan.
The objectives of the agreement is to provide an appropriate framework for the political dialogue between the parties allowing the development of political relations, to support Azerbaijan's efforts to consolidate its democracy and to develop its economy and to complete the transition into a market economy and to promote trade and investment and harmonious economic, social, financial, scientific, technological and cultural cooperation.