OFFICIAL NEWS
PRESIDENT ILHAM ALIYEV MEETS WITH EC PRESIDENT JOSE MANUEL BARROSO
Mr. Barroso said there was a great potential for expansion of cooperation between EU and Azerbaijan. He pointed out the importance of the Memorandum on Understanding on energy partnership to be signed in Brussels, as well as that of Azerbaijan’s integration into Europe.
He described the energy and economic cooperation as an important part of the bilateral relations adding they [relations] are “also about pursuing shared European values of democracy, good governance, fundamental freedoms and the protection of human rights.”
President Ilham Aliyev dwelt on the processes of economic development and democratic reforms taking place in Azerbaijan, as well as on what is being done in the country to reduce poverty and unemployment. He noted the importance of sharing the European values.
Touching on Azerbaijan’s possible contribution to the European Union, the Azerbaijani leader drew Mr. Barroso’s attention to favorable geographic location of the country, its rich natural resources and developed transport infrastructure.
President Aliyev also gave an update on the current state of the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace negotiations, and expressed his country’s position on the problem.
EC President expressed the EU’s readiness to cooperate with Azerbaijan in not only energy but also other field.