Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received EU delegation led by special representative on South Caucasus Heike Talvitie, 30 October.

Greeting the guests, Prime Minister Ilham Aliyev said:

“Dear Mr. Talvitie, dear guests,

You are welcome to Azerbaijan.

Appointment of the European Union’s South Caucasus representative is a positive aspect and we appreciate it. This shows that the European Union attaches great importance to our region. Of course, we want the relation between Azerbaijan and European Union to be developed and expanded. At the same time, taking the opportunity I express my gratitude for assistance of EU rendered to Azerbaijan. We would like our relations to expand in future as well, our cooperation in every field, especially in the energy sector acquire a high level.

At the same time, I hope that the European Union will increase its attention to the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno Karabakh conflict and this Organization will contribute to the fair solution of the problem. The conflict can be settled within the international legal norms. The occupied territories should be liberated, over one million refugees and IDPs should return to their homelands, and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan be restored. Perhaps, until this conflict is not solved, Azerbaijan will not cooperate with Armenian in any field.

As you know, the OSCE Minsk Group functions on solution of this question. But I consider that increase of the attention by European Union would give positive results. I greet you once more. I am sure your meetings in Azerbaijan will benefit your knowledge on Azerbaijan.

Expressing his gratitude for warm reception, Heike Talvitie said:

“ Mr. President elect, I am grateful for cordial words. Taking the opportunity, I congratulate You on election as President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. To take part at Your oath taking ceremony tomorrow is a good chance for us and we all shall have it. To my mind, the relations between Azerbaijan and European Union develop well. Appointment of EU special representative on South Caucasus makes ground for the greater and more significant role of the Organization in your region. Mr. Devris was appointed as the EU special representative on South Caucasus and represents European Commission in Azerbaijan. I am certain that his appointment will yield its fruits shortly.

We know that there are certain problems before larger Europe initiative. We are well aware that all the South Caucasian republics intend to become EU members. Of course, every country, as EU member, observes common values and general standards, also maintains its national features.

As far as the elections, I should say that along with the positive cases, there were problems as well. You have to face the problem to develop Azerbaijan in democratic way. We shall have discussions with you on continuation of integration to the European Union. We stand ready to work with you and insist in this.

Expressing his gratitude for sincere congratulations and calm words, Prime Minister Ilham Aliyev said:

“ You rightly noted that Azerbaijan will go by the path of integration to Europe. This is our strategic course. At the same time, I consider that Azerbaijan is also attractive and important country for the European Union. The geographical-political position, economic potential and political position of our country is of great importance for the European Union. Therefore, I consider that our relations should be created on mutual ground.

The 15 October Presidential elections was a new step forward in development of democracy in the country.

I consider that the attitude of the European Union is fair towards these elections. All the organizations and persons that observed the elections back the opinion that they reflect real situation. For me, it is the most important case that the people of Azerbaijan are sure that the elections reflect the reality. This reliance, of course, puts a great responsibility on me shoulders, and I shall try to worthily justify this trust.

I an convinced that the relations between the European Union and Azerbaijan will strengthen much more in the coming five years and benefit both sides.

I express my gratitude once again to you.

In the course of talk, exchanged were comprehensive views on a number of other issues concerning the development of the relations between the European Union and Azerbaijan.