Poland, Sopot, May 24 / Trend S. Agayeva /
Poland sees in the 'Eastern Partnership' party-countries future neighbors in the European Union, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said today.
The aim of Poland and Sweden is to ensure that every European country could join EU, Sikorski said at the Eastern Partnership party-states' foreign ministers' meeting.
"But, only desire is not enough, the Eastern Partnership member-countries should meet European standards, including in the sphere of human rights," Sikorski said.
He said the program's main directions are the political sphere, desire for a visa-free regime, establishment of free economic zones and various projects, for the implementation of which EU has already allocated 600 million euros.
The political will of the member-states and their compliance with certain criteria, that is the creation of biometric passports, and protection of the borders, are important to ensure their transfer to visa-free regime, Sikorski added.
Execution of these conditions by these countries can accelerate the establishment of visa-free regime, he said. Poland insists that the
Eastern Partnership member-states were considered by the EU on more privileged conditions in the issue of establishing a visa-free regime, Sikorski said.
Sopot hosts an informal meeting of foreign ministers of the EU and foreign ministers of the initiative's participant countries.
The "Eastern Partnership" program initiated by the EU in May 2009, envisages intensifying cooperation between the EU and the eastern neighbors.
The program, for implementation 600 million euros were allocated, includes Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Moldova.
According to the initial ideas of the authors, the "Eastern Partnership", initiated by Poland with support of Sweden should bring nearer the program's member countries to integration with the EU.
Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Mahmud Mammadguliyev will represent the country at the event.
Commissioner Stephan Füle will represent EU at the meeting.
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