Azernews.Az

Azerbaijan has a very ``open`` approach to Europe, which will contribute to further strengthening of bilateral partnership, a member of the European Parliament told Azerbaijani news agency Trend.

``Azerbaijan is not only a country flush with resources, but one that also takes a very open approach to Europe, in particular, to strengthen our partnership and with regard to the infrastructure projects that we want to develop in the Caspian region,`` said Rachida Dati, a former French Justice Minister. ``This trade and energy partnership is a stepping stone towards strengthening our political cooperation with Azerbaijan and other countries in the region.``

Dati expressed satisfaction with the position taken last Wednesday by the European Parliament, calling for a boost of the energy cooperation between Europe and its international partners.

``I am particularly satisfied with the fact that the European Parliament stressed the need to develop further our relations with the countries of the Caspian Sea region,`` Dati said. She stressed that Europe`s needs for energy are huge and increasing.

``A great part of our energy has to be imported. Europe imports more than 60 percent of its gas and nearly 80 percent of its oil. These figures show just how dependent we are on third countries,`` Dati said.

At present, the diversification of supply routes and gas sources is a strategic priority for the EU.

The priority energy project for the EU is the Southern Gas Corridor, which will allow it to diversify energy supply routes and sources and thus increase energy security of European countries. Gas to be produced during the second phase of developing Azerbaijani Shah Deniz field in the Caspian Sea is the main source for the projects within the Southern Gas Corridor.