POLITICS
FOREIGN MINISTER MEETS GERMAN COUNTERPART
The Ministers then have held briefing for media representatives.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov announced that during the one-on-one meeting with his German counterpart, they focused on prospects of development of political, economic and cultural relations between the two countries, Azerbaijan’s integration into Europe, ways of solution to Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, cooperation in combating terrorism and touched on other issues as well.
Asked by German journalist whether opening borders between Turkey and Armenia can complicate the conflict’s resolution, Minister Elmar Mammadyarov answered that during President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev’s recent official visit to Ankara this question had been discussed with Foreign Minister of Turkey Abdullah Gul, and It was especially stressed that Turkey would not open its borders to Armenia until the occupied Azerbaijani lands are released.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany Joschka Fischer described his meeting Azerbaijani counterpart as very fruitful. He expressed satisfaction with improvement of the level of German language learning in Azerbaijan. Speaking of the resolution of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, Mr. Fischer said Germany sharing the stance of the European Union towards the problem is very interested in establishment of stability in the region. He promised as well that Germany would do its best to assist development of democracy in Azerbaijan.
Responding to the question from AzerTAj reporter of Germany’s position with respect to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the Foreign Minister said Germany wants the conflict to be settled as soon as possible. Germany is one of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs, he said, and we are aware of the existing difficulties. Mr. Fischer pointed out the country is trying to contribute to the conflict’s resolution in the framework of the Minsk group.
The Foreign Minister of Germany expressed satisfaction with human rights situation in Azerbaijan mentioning the Decrees on Pardon signed recently by President Ilham Aliyev and the work done in the country for ensuring freedom of media. Mr. Fischer also described activity of Azerbaijan in the Council of Europe and NATO “Partnership for Peace Program” as very positive factor.