European Commission President gives lecture at ADA University
Baku, June 15 (AZERTAC). President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso has given a lecture at ADA University in Baku.
Called “EU-Azerbaijan - new opportunities and challenges”, the lecture was attended by state officials, members of the parliament, university rectors and diplomats.
Speaking to the event, deputy Foreign Minister, Rector of ADA University Hafiz Pashayev said Azerbaijan was cooperating with the European Union in a variety of fields.
Mr. Pashayev hailed bilateral projects between the country and the EU in educational, trade, and energy spheres.
He said Azerbaijan had always been keen to expand relationship and implement new projects with the European Union.
President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso hailed Azerbaijan`s development.
Mr. Barroso noted an agreement was reached to broaden bilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and the European Union in the educational area as part of his visit to the country.
He said ADA University had an important role to play in this regard as a model university, saying the European Union was satisfied with its cooperation with ADA University as part of educational programs.
Noting Azerbaijan is a bridge between the East and the West, Mr. Barroso said the country was playing a key role in settlement of regional and international issues.
Mr. Barroso also highlighted the importance of energy projects carried out by Azerbaijan, and said the implementation of the Southern Gas Corridor was one of the joint priorities.
“The implementation of this project will ensure Europe’s access to Azerbaijan’s energy resources.”
He said the project would pave the way for deeper economic cooperation between the European Union and Azerbaijan, and open 30,000 jobs.
Mr. Barroso said the Southern Gas Corridor would contribute to boosting Azerbaijan’s economic development and ensuring the energy security of Europe.
The President of the European Commission said work had been carried out to simplify the visa regime between Azerbaijan and the European Union.
He highlighted the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, calling it a painful issue for Azerbaijan.
He expressed regret over the fact that peace had not been achieved despite 20 years had passed since the establishment of ceasefire.
Mr. Barroso noted the European Union wanted to ensure peace between the conflicting parties and supported the mediation efforts of the Minsk Group.
“We must do our best to ensure the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict based on the principles of international law,” said Mr. Barroso.
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