Ukraine, Kiev, Feb. 26 / Trend corr. D.Babesyuk /
Security, economic and humanitarian cooperation will be priorities for Azerbaijan under the Eastern Partnership, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mamedyarov told Trend in Kiev on Feb. 26.
Mamedyarov attended the opening ceremony of the new GUAM headquarters.
"We are studying concrete projects for cooperating with the EU under the Eastern Partnership. We have an understanding about how to build this cooperation," Mamedyarov said. He noted that security, economic and humanitarian cooperation initiatives will be program priorities.
The Eastern Partnership program aims to strengthen relations between the EU and 6 post-Soviet countries - Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia and Belarus. The partnership began on Dec. 4.
Cooperation with member-states includes establishing a free trade zone and signing strategic agreements.
In terms of security, Azerbaijan places a priority on resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and combating terrorism and narcotics trafficking, Mamedyarov said. In the economic sector, Azerbaijan is prepared to raise issues about the transit corridor, energy security and non-oil projects. Humanitarian priorities may include simplifying the visa regime and promoting student exchange programs, he added.
"We are developing various proposals of national interest. Meanwhile, the EU is advancing its own projects. The 27+6 Summit will be held in Prague on May, 7. By this time, we will know which projects are priorities," Mamedyarov said.
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