European Commission says Azerbaijan plays constructive role in global political dialogue

Baku, Azerbaijan, June 14

By Elchin Mehdiyev - Trend:

Azerbaijan plays a constructive role in the political dialogue at the global level, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso told reporters on June 14 in Baku.

Barroso noted that it is his second visit to Baku and said that he had a very successful meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

"We made very important decisions such as speeding up the process of signing the new agreement between Azerbaijan and the European Union on strategic modernization partnership," he said, emphasizing that it is very important for the two sides.

Barroso went on to add that Azerbaijan and the EU have already developed important cooperation in the energy sphere.

"Three years ago, we started working on the Southern Gas Corridor project together with President Ilham Aliyev. It is a very important project both in terms of policy and energy security," European Commission president noted.

"Today, we see that all European programs are open for Azerbaijan, which is the result of the reached agreements," Barroso said, adding that he means the projects on all spheres.

Barroso underscored that the EU is the largest trade partner of Azerbaijan, as it accounts for 42 percent of this country's trade turnover, adding that the cooperation with Azerbaijan covers not only the energy, but also other spheres.

"I hope that the sides will complete the work on the new document soon and meeting with Ilham Aliyev in Brussels, we will be able to sign an agreement that is of great importance for the both sides," European Commission president stressed.