Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 15
By Seba Aghayeva - Trend:
Azerbaijan has good relations with each European country separately, and the cooperation with the EU is normal as well, the deputy head of the Azerbaijani presidential administration, chief of the administration's foreign relations department, Novruz Mammadov said at a briefing Nov. 15.
"However, we told the EU that some provisions in the association agreement proposed by them don't suit us, and we want to fully maintain our independence and sovereignty," Mammadov said.
"We maintain the independence of our foreign policy because our foreign policy should serve the protection of all the interests of the state, the country, and the people," he added.
The top official underscored that Azerbaijan's proposal to sign an agreement on strategic modernization partnership with the EU is not random.
"How is it possible that we can cooperate well with each EU country? We want to establish such excellent relations with the EU," Mammadov said.
He went on to say Azerbaijan is already a special country in all senses, adding "let the cooperation be like this; an agreement on strategic modernization partnership needs to be signed."
Mammadov said the EU initially reacted to the proposal somewhat differently, but they see that this can be the best option and choice.
He added that Azerbaijan's authority and rating on international arena are a great success of the country.
"The main issue is to maintain stability and security, and ensure a strong development in Azerbaijan amid the conflict, in which the country is involved," Mammadov stressed.