Details were added after the second paragraph (the first version was posted at 12:31)
Azerbaijan, Baku, April 15 / Trend, K. Zarbaliyeva /
Steps taken by Azerbaijan in combating corruption are proper, bold and welcomed by the international community, the head of the EU representation in Azerbaijan Roland Kobia said on Friday at the Forum on Combating Corruption in Baku.
"First of all, this step is necessary for Azerbaijan, and it serves the people's interests. Corruption is a disease for the country and people," Kobia said.
He said the EU supports the country in this fight. "Corruption exists in all countries throughout the world; it is the epidemic against which no country is secure," Kobia said.
He said that European countries have positive experience in combating corruption.
"There is no single prescription or vaccine against the disease. But one can be saved from this malady" Kobia said.
Corruption has a negative impact on the economy; it reduces the productivity of the economic system, and harms foreign and domestic investments, Kobia said.
"Corruption affects both government expenses and services, weakens the supremacy of law and results in a weakening of the foundations of society. There must be a legal framework to address this problem. Azerbaijan is highly productive when it comes to this issue," Kobia said.
Kobia added that it is necessary to create an international network to fight corruption in the country.
"Azerbaijan has great positive potential. People can be richer, but corruption destroys all prospects for development. Corruption changes the country's international image," Kobia said.