AZE.US
President Ilham Aliyev received a European Union delegation led by Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, in Baku on May 5.
The meeting focused on the future of Azerbaijan-EU cooperation in energy, connectivity, security, trade and other areas, according to Azerbaijani state media. Digital transformation, artificial intelligence and renewable energy were also discussed as part of the broader bilateral agenda.
Kallas conveyed greetings from European Council President António Costa. Aliyev thanked her and asked that his greetings be passed on to Costa.
During the talks, Kallas referred to the joint statement adopted during Costa’s visit to Azerbaijan, noting that the document underlined the strategic character of relations between Azerbaijan and the European Union. She said Azerbaijan is an important partner for the EU.
Aliyev said the European Union remains one of Azerbaijan’s main trade partners, while Azerbaijan has been a reliable partner for Europe in energy security. He noted that Azerbaijani gas had recently reached two more EU member states — Germany and Austria.
The sides also discussed the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process. The meeting noted Azerbaijan’s steps to strengthen the peace agenda and said economic and trade contacts between Azerbaijan and Armenia were already being formed.
In that context, officials pointed to Azerbaijan’s unilateral decision to lift restrictions on transit cargo heading to Armenia. Aliyev’s video-link participation in the 8th European Political Community summit held in Yerevan a day earlier was described at the meeting as a historic event.
The sides also discussed EU support for demining efforts in Azerbaijan. The TRIPP project was mentioned as a potential tool for creating new opportunities for regional connectivity.
Aliyev and Kallas reviewed the prospects for Azerbaijan-EU cooperation and other issues of mutual interest.
AZE.US