Minister: Azerbaijan reliable partner on European energy security
By Aynur Jafarova
Azerbaijan is recognized in the world today as a reliable partner in ensuring Europe's energy security, Minister of Economic Development Shahin Mustafayev has said at a meeting with European lawmakers.
A delegation of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group in the European Parliament held talks at the Ministry of Economic Development during its ongoing official visit to Azerbaijan.
Briefing the delegation on the economic reforms carried out in Azerbaijan, Mustafayev said the successful social and economic policy has ensured political and macroeconomic stability in Azerbaijan, and favorable business and investment climate has been created in the country.
The minister also pointed out that Azerbaijan attaches great importance to its cooperation with foreign countries, particularly members of the European Union.
He also highlighted the efforts made to expand Azerbaijan's economic cooperation with other countries.
Mustafayev also noted that Azerbaijan is actively involved in global energy and transport projects.
He also stressed the importance of interparliamentary ties and reciprocal visits in terms of boosting bilateral cooperation.
The delegation of the ECR group was received by Azerbaijani Parliament Speaker Ogtay Asadov as well.
Asadov said Azerbaijan is a democratic country successfully integrating into Europe. He said Azerbaijan supported the EU's policy on eastward enlargement, adding the country had taken important measures in line with this policy.
Head of the ECR delegation Martin Callanan said Azerbaijan was an important partner for the EU and that the organization was interested in cooperation with the country.
The European MPs' delegation also held a meeting with members of the International and Interparliamentary Relations Committee of the Azerbaijani Parliament.
Opening the meeting, the committee's deputy chairperson Sevinj Fataliyeva spoke about Azerbaijan's rapid development and implemented reforms. She stressed the significance of political stability for economic development.
Fataliyeva emphasized that Azerbaijan has become the leader in the region thanks to global energy projects.
The Azerbaijani MP also gave an insight into the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and peace talks aimed at settling the long-lasting dispute.
The sides also discussed overall prospects for Azerbaijan-EU cooperation and expansion of interparliamentary relations.