UK minister: EU Membership to produce tangible benefits for Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan, Baku, Oct.12/ Trend, S.Dadashova /

"The path towards membership of the EU will produce lasting, tangible benefits for the people of Azerbaijan, the region and for the EU as well," UK Minister for Europe David Lidington said.

The UK's commercial relationship with Azerbaijan has never been stronger and we are working together with the Azerbaijani government to identify areas where we can develop this further, he said.

"Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas are an important dimension of the Eastern Partnership, but first the Government must decide whether it is right for Azerbaijan to join the World Trade Organisation," he said.

According to Lidington, Eastern Partnership has plenty more to offer apart from closer trade links.

"We hope very much that the Government will continue to implement the domestic reforms they have embarked on. Change is never easy but I believe that the Eastern Partners' choice to draw closer to the EU is the right path to take," he added.

He said that developing and deepening the relationship between the EU and the Eastern Partners will also contribute to strengthening of peace and security in this important neighbourhood.

"The protracted conflicts impede the potential of all its countries, hampering the free movement of people, limiting trade, and dissuading potential investors," he stressed.

"A sustainable settlement of these conflicts would remove this impediment. I therefore very much hope the EU will be able to help broker better, closer, stronger relationships in the region," Lidington added.