EU may sign Azerbaijan deal in weeks
The European Union chairman Miguel Angel Moratinos
visiting Baku has expressed hope that the EU and Azerbaijan would
sign an agreement at the end of March as part of the Eastern
Partnership program that aims to boost the bloc’s cooperation with
its ex-Soviet partners.
Moratinos, the Spanish Foreign Minister, told a news conference that, along with fostering vast opportunities for bilateral trade, the association agreement focuses on the human factor. "In this sense, simplifying visa regulations will be on our agenda as well."
The Eastern Partnership, launched at an EU summit in May 2009, covers Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia, Ukraine, Moldova, and Belarus. While membership in the bloc is not on the agenda at this point, the program envisages a political and economic rapprochement as well as closer energy cooperation. The association agreement is expected to expedite Azerbaijan’s talks with the EU on exploring new opportunities for trade and simplifed travel.
The EU chairman, who is on a tour of the South Caucasus, said the visit chiefly aimed to display the EU’s special attitude toward the regional states. "My visit to the South Caucasus, and Azerbaijan in particular, could be seen as a signal from the EU."
Referring to the Upper (Nagorno) Garabagh conflict, Moratinos said the organization intends to take action to promote restoring peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
"Though some call this conflict ‘frozen’ or ‘protracted’, we could view this as ‘a resolved conflict.’"
Moratinos said the EU supports the OSCE Minsk Group’s mediating efforts.
"I believe that if both sides exercise a constructive approach, we will be able to achieve a peaceful settlement of the conflict. We have to avail of all our means and influence to attain a sustainable solution."
Prior to arriving in Baku, Moratinos visited Yerevan and is expected to further leave Armenia for Tbilisi.*
Moratinos, the Spanish Foreign Minister, told a news conference that, along with fostering vast opportunities for bilateral trade, the association agreement focuses on the human factor. "In this sense, simplifying visa regulations will be on our agenda as well."
The Eastern Partnership, launched at an EU summit in May 2009, covers Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia, Ukraine, Moldova, and Belarus. While membership in the bloc is not on the agenda at this point, the program envisages a political and economic rapprochement as well as closer energy cooperation. The association agreement is expected to expedite Azerbaijan’s talks with the EU on exploring new opportunities for trade and simplifed travel.
The EU chairman, who is on a tour of the South Caucasus, said the visit chiefly aimed to display the EU’s special attitude toward the regional states. "My visit to the South Caucasus, and Azerbaijan in particular, could be seen as a signal from the EU."
Referring to the Upper (Nagorno) Garabagh conflict, Moratinos said the organization intends to take action to promote restoring peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
"Though some call this conflict ‘frozen’ or ‘protracted’, we could view this as ‘a resolved conflict.’"
Moratinos said the EU supports the OSCE Minsk Group’s mediating efforts.
"I believe that if both sides exercise a constructive approach, we will be able to achieve a peaceful settlement of the conflict. We have to avail of all our means and influence to attain a sustainable solution."
Prior to arriving in Baku, Moratinos visited Yerevan and is expected to further leave Armenia for Tbilisi.*
Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention.
Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis.
By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more.
Subscribe
You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper
Thank you!