EU Comissioner: "EU interested in development of energy co-op with Azerbaijan"

"New stage of the EU-Azerbaijan cooperation is underway now and we hope that in 2006 Azerbaijan and the EU relationships will be expanded," said Ferrero-Waldner, underlining that the development of bilateral relationships between Baku and EU countries will bring more benefits to Azerbaijan. "Exit to European markets will give new impetus to the country's integration to European," she assured.

According to the Commissioner, the EU attaches great importance to the energy cooperation with Azerbaijan in the energy sector. In particular, Brussels is interested in the rapid construction of gas and oil pipelines from Azerbaijan.

The key importance will be attached to the economic cooperation between the EU and Azerbaijan, as well as rendering of technical assistance and support to reforms.

Concerning the resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict Ferrero Waldner stated that the EU is interested in the peaceable settlement of the conflict. "The settlement of the problem depends first of all depends on Azerbaijan and Armenia, however, if the sides some to an agreement are ready to assist the rehabilitation of areas," the EU Commissioner. In this context Ferrero-Waldner attached great importance to the development of regional cooperation.

Ferrero Waldner regarded the assistance to Azerbaijan for prevention of Bird Flu as another important issue in the agenda of talks in Baku. "I will hold talks with the leadership of the EU on delivery of assistance to Baku," the EU Commissioner underlined.