Azerbaijan, Baku, Oct.22 / Trend E. Ostapenko /
Given the involvement of the three South Caucasus countries in conflicts, it is difficult to speak about cooperation, the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov today said in his speech at the opening of the symposium on international relations on the topic "South Caucasus in a Changing World" in Baku.
According to Mammadyarov, Azerbaijan and Georgia have established very good relations both in political and economic fields. From a political point of view, Azerbaijan and Georgia hold close position close on many issues, he said.
SOCAR is the largest taxpayer in Georgia. In the near future it is expected to increase the payments, he added.
According to Mammadyarov, Azerbaijan and Georgia are engaged in various projects in the oil and gas industry. "2012 will be the most significant in terms of Azerbaijan's supplies from Caspian Sea to Europe," he said.
According to Mammadyarov, Azerbaijan would like to see Armenia involved in such regional projects. "Azerbaijan's foreign policy in general, is based on cooperation with all neighboring states. The only country, which avoids such an approach in the region, is Armenia," he said.
Mammadyarov said younger generation in the countries of the region should be brought up in the way to understand that the aggressive country itself suffers from the occupation of foreign lands. Armenia can achieve much more in the absence of conflict, and involvement in regional political and economic relations in the region.
Regarding the cooperation between Azerbaijan and NATO, the Foreign Minister said the country has managed to establish a strong and stable relationship with the Alliance. "Cooperation with NATO is a priority for Azerbaijan's foreign policy, but the integration doesn't mean membership," Mammadyarov said.