Germany, Azerbaijan strong partners: Gerhard Schroeder
By Nigar Orujova
Azerbaijan and Germany are strong economic partners, former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said.
He made the remarks at a conference of the Azerbaijani-German Chamber of Commerce in Baku on March 13.
"Germany is one of Azerbaijan's most important partners in Western Europe," he said.
Schroeder said annual trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Germany exceeds two billion euros, and there is potential for strengthening economic cooperation in the future.
"I think the establishment of the Chamber in 2012 was a progressive step in developing economic relations. Many German companies are operating actively in Azerbaijan," Schroeder said.
Speaking about energy cooperation, Schroeder said Germany is the seventh largest oil buyer in Azerbaijan, and pointed to future gas cooperation between the two countries.
He emphasized that Azerbaijan remains a reliable partner for Europe in terms of gas supplies in long term.
"Southern Gas Corridor" project will allow Europe to diversify its supply of hydrocarbons resources and increase energy security, while Azerbaijan will have a new market, Schroeder believes.
Noting that gas supplies from Russia are important from a geographical point, Schroeder said the gas supplies from Azerbaijan have been and will further be of significant importance to Europe.
Schroeder also praised political cooperation between the two countries which is at a high level historically, as Germans were represented in the first Parliament of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic in 1918.
Economic situation in Europe
Speaking about the economic situation in Europe, he said the currency crisis is the main problem. "The currency crisis in Europe is called a political crisis. Today, the European Union must decide whether it is ready or not for fiscal reforms."
Speaking about strengthening Germany in spit of the crisis, he added that the unemployment level has fallen by 40 percent in Germany in the past few years, while exports have increased by 50 percent.
"Germany is the most competitive country in Europe," he stressed.
He also noted that Europe is in need of strong partners, one of which is Turkey, and "its accession to the EU will be an important event for the entire European continent."
Ukrainian problem
Schroder did not avoid the subject of the complex situation in Crimea and Ukraine, where mass protests have been held since November when the government announced suspension of the preparation of an Association Agreement with the EU.
The situation generally causes great concern, and it is necessary to prevent it from being aggravated in the future, he believes.
"An intensive dialogue on the conflict between the international community, Russia, and Ukraine is very important," he said. "The problem must be resolved through negotiation. It is wrong for Ukraine to choose between Russia and Europe."