German FM: "EU takes keen interest in energy cooperation with Azerbaijan"

Mr.Mammadyarov said that the sides had both one-on-one and full composition discussions. Regional problems, economic, as well as energy cooperation and cooperation in the framework of European Neighbourhood Policy were discussed at the meeting.

Elmar Mammadyarov informed his German counterpart of the negotiations for the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Frank-Valter Schtainmayer said he is pleased with meeting with Elmar Mammadyarov for the second time within 72 hours and stressed this is his visit to the South Caucasus.

German Minister mentioned the 15th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Germany. He said Azerbaijan is much closer to the European Union with the action plan signed between Azerbaijan and the EU, and this cooperation will further strengthen.

Mr.Schtainmayer highly appreciated the important steps taken for protection of human rights such as abolition of death sentence, establishment of ombudsman institution and expressed surprise at Azerbaijan’s economic achievements in a short period of time.

Touching upon energy cooperation, German Minister expressed his intention to establish close cooperation with energy exporting countries and said he is pleased with visiting the country which is the source of oil and gas. He stressed that the EU takes a keen interest in energy cooperation with Azerbaijan.

Expressing Azerbaijan's position on Iran's nuclear program Elmar Mammadyarov said they discussed this problem and the German visitor informed him of the 5+1 negotiations.

"Azerbaijan is for diplomatic way of solution of the problem," the Minister said.

The Minister also mentioned that 2008 will be Azerbaijani Culture Year in Germany, APA reports.