European Analytical Web-Resource: "EU, Azerbaijan discuss energy, economic, agricultural ties"
Brussels, 13 May (AZERTAG). Influential European analytical web-resource, neurope.eu, has published an article entitled "EU, Azerbaijan discuss energy, economic, agricultural ties". (http://www.neurope.eu/article/eu-azerbaijan-discuss-energy-economic-agricultural-ties)
It quotes Azerbaijan`s Minister of Economic Development, Shahin Mustafayev, to have told European lawmakers that this country is recognized in the world today as a reliable partner in ensuring Europe`s energy security.
Further, the article writes that 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 favourable business and investment climate has been created in the country. He also pointed out that Azerbaijan attaches great importance to its co-operation with foreign countries, particularly members of the European Union. He also highlighted the efforts made to expand Azerbaijan`s economic co-operation with other countries. Mustafayev also noted that Azerbaijan is actively involved in global energy and transport projects. He also stressed the importance of inter-parliamentary ties and reciprocal visits in terms of boosting bilateral co-operation.
The delegation of the ECR group also met with Azerbaijani Parliament Speaker Ogtay Asadov as well. Asadov 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 co-operation with Baku.
The European MPs` delegation also held a meeting with members of the International and Inter-parliamentary 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 parties also discussed overall prospects for Azerbaijan-EU cooperation and expansion of inter-parliamentary relations.
Meanwhile, Azerbaijan and the EU have discussed the execution of the organisation`s budget support programme in the country as Agriculture Minister Ismet Abasov met Michael Kohler, Neighbourhood Director in the Development and Cooperation-EuropeAid Directorate-General of the European Commission in Baku. They also explored ways of developing the Azerbaijan-EU co-operation.
Abasov said Azerbaijan`s agricultural sector was growing at a rapid pace. The minister stressed the importance of joint projects with international organizations in terms of development of agriculture. They also exchanged views on projects in the field of veterinary service under the EU`s budget support program, and discussed how to improve a legal framework for developing the veterinary sector. Abasov said he believes the EU-related projects would contribute to improving the quality of veterinary services.
Kohler expressed confidence the EU-Azerbaijan co-operation would be further expanded. The head of the EU delegation to Azerbaijan, Roland Kobia, was present at the meeting.
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