EU seeks to expand relations with Azerbaijan beyond energy

Kocijancic said the EU would like to maintain dynamic and comprehensive dialogue on all aspects of bilateral relations, including in the field of human rights.

Azerbaijan and the EU have maintained good relations for many years and have become more closely linked with energy projects. Azerbaijan is currently part of the European Neighborhood Policy and the Council of Europe.

Respect for democracy, principles of international law, human rights and market economy are the essential elements which the EU-Azerbaijan partnership is based on, Kocijancic said.

She said the three countries of the South Caucasus differ on the level of their relations with the EU.

"While Georgia has concluded an Association Agreement including a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area with the EU, Armenia has opted to join the Eurasian Economic Union, which is incompatible with the AA/DCFTA negotiated but not signed with the EU.

"Azerbaijan has expressed its interest in a strategic relationship with the EU without the high degree of political association and economic integration sought by some of the other Eastern Partners,” she said.

 

(Azernews)