Visiting Azerbaijan, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany Joschka Fischer on April 21 has met the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov.

As informs AzerTAj, at the meeting, discussed were the questions of development of mutual relations, joint cooperation at realization of some regional projects, the way of settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijan, Nagorny Karabakh conflict and others.

Then, both ministers have briefed for representatives of press.

Minister for Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov has noted, that at the meeting carried out with the German colleague, prospects of development of economic, political, cultural relations between two countries, integration of Azerbaijan into Europe, ways of settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijan, Nagorny Karabakh conflict, joint cooperation in combat against terrorism and other questions were discussed.

Answering the question of the German journalist “Whether opening the borders between Turkey and Armenia can complicate process of settlement of the Nagorny Karabakh conflict?” Minister Elmar Mamedyarov has told, that the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, being one of these days with official visit to Ankara, discussed the said at the meeting with Minister for Foreign Affairs of Turkey Abdullah Gul. At the meeting, it has been especially underlined, that until territories of Azerbaijan under occupation will not be released, Turkey will not open the borders with Armenia.

Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany Joschka Fischer has declared: “The meeting with my Azerbaijan colleague has passed very fruitfully. Increase of level of teaching of German language in Azerbaijan pleases us. At the meeting, we have touched also the Armenian-Azerbaijan conflict, have carried out exchange of opinions on steps which by means of the international public can undertake both states for achievement of settlement of the problem. Besides we have discussed the questions connected to summit of the NATO due in the near future in Istanbul, with the new concept of good neighborhood, development of democracy in Azerbaijan, human rights and freedom of press. I have stated that Germany, acting from the same position, as the European Union, is interested in the stability in region. Germany is ready to render all assistance for the further development of democracy in Azerbaijan.

In the answer to the question of correspondent AzerTAj “What is the position of Germany in the question of settlement of the Nagorny Karabakh conflict?” Joschka Fischer has told: “We wish possible, immediate and fair settlement of the conflict. Germany is one of members of the Minsk Group of OSCE. We have information on available difficulties. But we try to bring in the contribution to settlement of the conflict within the framework of the Minsk Group and as the international partner to make everything, that in our forces. Germany is one of active participants of struggle against terrorism, and, naturally, we cannot weaken our efforts in this question.

Answering the question connected to protection of human rights in Azerbaijan, the German diplomat has told: “For the short period of time the President of your country Mr. Ilham Aliyev has signed some decrees about the pardon. It is very correct step. At the same time, we highly estimate the work conducted in Azerbaijan in the field of free press. As a whole, we are satisfied with process of democratization proceeding in Azerbaijan. Besides, membership of Azerbaijan in the Council of Europe and connection to the program of the NATO “PfP” is also the positive factor. Fulfillment in Azerbaijan of requirements of the Council of Europe and conducted economic reforms create ample opportunities for development of cooperation of your country with the European Union.