BAKU, Azerbaijan, Mar. 29
By Nargiz Sadikhova - Trend:
The negotiations for a new comprehensive agreement between Azerbaijan and the EU are ongoing, European Commission’s (EC) Spokesperson Ana Pisonero told Trend.
EU relations with Azerbaijan are based on the EU-Azerbaijan Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (in force since 1999), which has focused on boosting trade and investment and enhancing economic, legislative, and cultural cooperation. The EU and Azerbaijan launched negotiations for a new comprehensive agreement in February 2017.
Pisonero said that the EU side is expecting to receive Azerbaijan’s position on the trade part of the agreement. On this basis, she said EC hopes to be able to reengage in the negotiations.
“As the High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell said at the EU-Azerbaijan Association Council of December 18, 2020, "The EU wants to conclude an ambitious new comprehensive agreement with Azerbaijan, based on democracy, human rights, and fundamental freedoms. This would contribute to the diversification of Azerbaijan’s economy, enhance our trading relationship, and extend our cooperation more broadly.” she said.
She added that the new comprehensive EU-Azerbaijan agreement will create a solid basis for future cooperation and closer links between the EU and Azerbaijan.
“The new agreement will support Azerbaijani efforts to diversify your economy. It will enhance the business environment and encourage sustainable development for the benefit of citizens. Azerbaijan plays an important role in the context of the Eastern Partnership,” Pisonero said.