Azerbaijan, Central Asia elements of Europe’s geopolitical strategy: Saakashvili
By Nigar Orujova
Azerbaijan and Central Asia are not only the energy sources for Europe, but the main elements of its geopolitical strategy, Georgian ex-President Mikheil Saakashvili told media in Baku on April 29.
Saakashvili is taking part in the second Global Shared Societies Forum, which started in Baku on April 28.
"Azerbaijan is of particular importance for Europe during the crisis in Ukraine," he said.
The ex-president said that Europe was in a difficult situation in the field of energy supply.
"The U.S. will be able to ensure sufficient volumes of energy resources, but this is not enough," Saakashvili added. "Currently, Europe's attention focuses on the Caspian region."
The ex-president also condemned Russia's territorial claims.
"These actions are unacceptable in the 21st century," he said. "More people realize that this is not a single instance. Few countries support Russia due to its actions."
The forum is being attended by over 150 prominent public and political figures from 54 countries, former heads of states and governments, who are the members of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, Club of Rome and Club of Madrid.
The forum's agenda includes such issues as foundations of open societies, conflict settlement methods in difficult situations, multi-governance for ensuring sustainable development process and the need for institutional frameworks, as well as other important issues.