Azernews.Az

GUAM, a regional group which includes Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Moldova, expressed its deep regret that the protracted conflicts in the territories of GUAM states remain unsolved and continue to endanger peace, security and cooperation at both regional and European levels.

It was said in the GUAM Council of Foreign Ministers meeting communiqué adopted on Wednesday in Kiev.

The Council reaffirmed the firm position of GUAM on earliest solution of the mentioned conflicts by peaceful means in accordance with the norms and principles of international law, and resolutions and decisions adopted by international bodies in this regard.

It was noted that in 15 years since its establishment, the GUAM has turned into an effective institution that contributes to regional stability and integration through the projects and programs of cooperation in almost all areas, delivering results to the benefit of its nations.

The work done in various fields of cooperation was reviewed and satisfaction was emphasized with the results of cooperation achieved in the fields of trade, transport and transit, struggle against transnational threats, promotion of culture and tourism.

In conclusion, the Council decided to hold its next session in Dublin.

The foreign ministers' meeting was held to celebrate 15th anniversary of GUAM establishment.

The meeting was attended by foreign ministers of Georgia, Azerbaijan, Ukraine and Moldova, Secretary General of the organization Valery Chechelashvili, and representatives of Japan, the United States and the European Commission.

GUAM was established by the post-Soviet countries in 1997 during the EU presidential summit in Strasbourg. In 1999, Uzbekistan joined the organisation, and withdrew four years later. A decision was made to rename GUAM as 'Organisation for Democracy and Economic Development - GUAM', at the organisation's first summit in Kiev in 2006.