'Integration into Europe is one of Azerbaijan`s foreign policy priorities'

Speaker of Azerbaijan`s parliament Ogtay Asadov has met with the visiting members of the European Parliament (EP). Asadov pointed out the EP delegation`s visit would serve to further deepening cooperation between the sides, saying integration into Europe is one of Azerbaijan`s foreign policy priorities. Azerbaijan pays special attention to expansion of relations with EP.

Memorandum of understanding signed between the parties for 2011-2013 years is significance in terms of strengthening ties. Azerbaijan is an active participant of Eastern Partnership and other European Union programs. Establishment of Euronest Parliamentary Assembly (EPA) contributed to deepen ties with EU. Baku is expected to host a plenary session of EPA in April this year. Azerbaijan is a reliable energy partner of Europe besides being a leading participant of the regional projects.

Azerbaijani Speaker briefed the EP members on Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. He stated that Armenia ignores the resolutions of the UN, EP, OSCE related with the conflict and continues aggressive policy against Azerbaijan. Asadov underlined that Azerbaijan supports fair settlement of the conflict within norms of international law.

In turn, head of the European delegation Norbert Neuser praised the fact that Azerbaijan has close ties with European structures, adding EU pays great attention to strengthening relations with this country.

The meeting was attended by the head of Azerbaijani parliament`s administration Safa Mirzayev, EP members Bas Eickhout, Dan Jorqensen, Alen Destexhe and other officials.


/AzerTAc/