Azernews.Az

The first meeting between the European Union and Azerbaijan to discuss simplifying visa regulations, previously scheduled for February 7 in Baku, has been postponed indefinitely due to the tight schedules of the delegations, according to the EU office in the country.

A new date of the talks is being determined through diplomatic channels.

The EU council of ministers issued a mandate to the European Commission on December 20, 2011 to start negotiations on visa facilitation with Azerbaijan.

The list of suggested visa facilitations include the simplification of documents to be submitted with the visa application, possible issuance of long-term multiple-entry visas, as well as a possible exemption from visas for diplomats.

The European Commission proposes to combine the easing of visa requirements for travelers from Azerbaijan with agreed mechanisms for the readmission of irregular migrants. The negotiation of readmission agreements will provide for the speedy return of nationals staying without authorization on the territory of the EU or Azerbaijan.

The visa facilitation negotiations follow the political commitment taken at the Prague Eastern Partnership Summit in May 2009.

Once negotiated, the agreements on visa facilitation and readmission can only enter into force simultaneously.