Azernews.Az

BAKU – The six former Soviet republics participating in the Eastern Partnership, a program that aims to boost their cooperation with the European Union, have called on the EU to take strides toward simplifying visa regulations. The statements were made at a meeting of the member states’ foreign ministers held in Brussels on Monday, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry said.

Only two of the Eastern Partnership participants - Ukraine and Moldova – have signed deals on simplifying the visa regime with the EU, while the agreement signed with Georgia is currently being ratified. The other three participating countries - Azerbaijan, Armenia and Belarus – are expected to begin negotiating the issue with the bloc in 2011.

The simplified visa regime envisions reducing the visa fee to 35 euros from the current 60 euros, canceling visa fees for a certain group of citizens, invalidating visas for diplomats, as well as outlines the time frame for visa issuance.

Azerbaijan was represented at the Brussels meeting by Deputy Foreign Minister Mahmud Mammad-Guliyev.

The meeting participants exchanged views on future plans and projects. Speakers pointed to the importance of shifting the work being done within the Eastern Partnership program from discussions to the implementation of specific projects.

Participants also said successful implementation of relevant projects requires a speedy solution of security issues and flaring conflicts.

They also emphasized that joint energy projects, particularly those being realized as part of the Southern Corridor, will play a key role in ensuring European energy security.

The Eastern Partnership program, launched at an EU summit held in Prague in May 2009, envisages simplified visa regulations, free trade and closer energy cooperation. Membership in the bloc is not on the agenda at this point. The EU has allocated 600 million euros to implement the Eastern Partnership.