Azerbaijan, Baku, June 20 / Trend, A.Akhundov /
A twinning project was launched to support the Azerbaijani State Veterinary Service in preparation of the National Animal Identification and Farm Registration System. The project was funded by the European Union and will be implemented by Poland and Spain.
According to the Azerbaijani Agriculture Minister Ismet Abasov, the twinning project will contribute to ensuring the country's food security.
"The project's goals are to register the animals in Azerbaijan, their location and their condition. The project will collect the necessary comprehensive information regarding the animals throughout the country. The health of the animals lies in healthy food, which, in turn, is part of human health," Abasov told journalists.
According to the EU delegation Head Roland Kobia, the project combines the efforts of Azerbaijan, the EU, Spain and Poland. The joint expression of partnership and cooperation between the EU and Azerbaijan is of significant benefit.
"We want to continue and expand cooperation with Azerbaijan in all sectors, including in agriculture, which is very important for Azerbaijan," Kobia said.
The overall goal of the project is to improve food security of consumers, continuing to make reforms in the spheres of sanitation and phytosanitation, and facilitating trade.
According to the Polish ambassador to Azerbaijan Mikhal Labenda, the project will last for one year, with 21 million euros allocated for its implementation.
"Implementation of this project is of particular importance against the background of the EU "Eastern Partnership" program," Labenda said.
The EU and Azerbaijan signed a partnership agreement, which became effective in 1999. Cooperation has also been effective within the European Neighborhood Policy, initiated in 2003.
In May 2010 Azerbaijani-EU relations entered a new phase, within the framework of the EU Eastern Partnership Program initiated by Poland and Sweden.
The Eastern Partnership is aimed at the political and economic rapprochement of six post-Soviet states - Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine and Belarus - and the EU.