Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 27
By Sabina Ahmedova - Trend:
The Vilnius summit will provide a significant opportunity to take our relationship to a higher level. EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy, Stefan Füle said in his article "European Union and Azerbaijan ahead of the Vilnius Summit", Trend reported.
"The signature of the Visa Facilitation Agreement with the signature of the Readmission Agreement to follow will make it much easier for citizens of Azerbaijan to travel in Europe and it will promote much more interaction with citizens of EU Member States. The Strategic Modernisation Partnership we are discussing may bring strategic elements to cooperation beyond the area of energy," Füle said.
According to Füle, EU is working with its Eastern partners to bring them closer through political association, economic integration and enhanced mobility for citizens.
"Each partner is unique and brings unique features to the relationship. Needless to say in the case of Azerbaijan, energy cooperation is of strategic importance and we are already seeing the concrete benefits of our joint efforts. The Southern Gas Corridor is no longer a theoretical project on the drawing board. It is about to be realized, to the benefit of all involved," Füle said.
According to him, partnership between Azerbaijan and European Union is based on common values: democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. "We are likewise conscious of Azerbaijan's specific role in the Eastern partnership thanks to its traditional links with the Islamic world; we value the religious and cultural diversity that Azerbaijan brings to the table".
According to Füle, Europe also has a lot of hard-earned experience with overcoming conflict - and is only happy to share the lessons it has learnt.
"These are the reasons why Azerbaijan's active participation in the Eastern Partnership and at the Vilnius summit is important. We are committed to making this cooperation mutually enriching," Füle said.