Italian FM Franco Frattini: Azerbaijan's contribution to European energy security is crucial

Day.Az: How do you assess the current level of political, economic and cultural ties between Azerbaijan and Italy?

Franco Frattini: Italy and Azerbaijan are linked by profound friendship and co-operation and by a fruitful economic partnership. Over the years, our two countries have created a growing number of opportunities for political dialogue both at the bilateral level and multilaterally (particularly in the OSCE and the Council of Europe). Cultural cooperation, fostered by the deep bond between our two peoples, is also very intensive. It is in this very positive context that Italy recently decided to implement an ad hoc strategy aimed at enhancing bilateral co-operation with the six countries – Azerbaijan included. This also falls within the framework of the EU’s Eastern Partnership, taking advantage of the dynamics set in motion by the various initiatives and projects that will be implemented under the Partnership at both the bilateral and multilateral levels.

What areas of bilateral cooperation are the most promising, or have the highest priority, for Italy?

Italy is Azerbaijan’s main trading partner, with a turnover of almost 3 billion euros in the first half of 2009. This is mainly due to the energy sector and our imports of Azerbaijani oil. However, there is still huge potential to further deepen our business ties, for example through cooperation to develop sectors of Azerbaijan’s economy (such as agriculture and the food processing industry) which could benefit highly from the experience of Italian small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

To what extent is Italy interested in purchasing Azerbaijan gas?

As I said earlier, until now we have mainly imported oil from Azerbaijan, but of course we are also interested in buying gas, should the opportunity arise. Italy – as a consumer country – is generally interested in reliable and cost-effective energy supplies and in diversifying suppliers and routes. Therefore, we support projects – for example the Italy-Turkey-Greece Interconnector (ITGI) and Nabucco – aimed at enhancing Europe’s energy security by channelling resources produced in the Caspian area. In this regard, Azerbaijan’s contribution is crucial: its political stability and its balanced foreign policy are important assets, especially in an area –the Caucasus – which is not immune from problems.

The negotiations to seek a solution to the Azerbaijan–Armenia–Nagorno-Karabakh conflict have been stepped up lately. More optimistic statements are being issued regarding the resolution of the conflict. As an OSCE Minsk Group member, Italy is highly significant to Azerbaijan in this regard. How would you assess this more intensive approach to the negotiations?

We fully support the intensification of the efforts made by the OSCE Minsk Group and by the two Presidents in recent months. The Greek Chair’s statement at the Ministerial Council in Athens on 1-2 December 2009 recognizes the efforts made by the parties to achieve a solution based on the Madrid Principles. Even though there have been no concrete developments to date, it must be recognized that there is a common willingness to cooperate. The two Presidents met six times during 2009 and this is a sign that the process is moving ahead.

How can Italy help Azerbaijan achieve closer integration with European structures?

Italy has always supported efforts aimed at bringing Azerbaijan closer to the European institutions. This will continue to be a strategic foreign policy goal for Italy, to be pursued in all fora. More specifically, we consider the Eastern Partnership to be an important tool to strengthen and widen the scope of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the European Union, both at the bilateral level and in multilateral platforms, where our Azerbaijani friends can rely on our continuing support.

What plans do Azerbaijan and Italy have to develop bilateral cooperation in 2010? Do the countries plan to exchange high-level visits next year?

Our last bilateral business forum was held in Rome exactly one year ago and its follow-up is scheduled to take place in 2010. We are currently working on this event, on which we are liaising closely with the Azeri Authorities. Further meetings at the political and economic level are also planned for next year. We are currently discussing the schedule.

How do you assess the outcome of Azerbaijan-Italy bilateral cooperation in 2009?

Relations between Italy and Azerbaijan are a success story in all sectors. However, let me mention the results achieved in the economic sphere where – despite the recent difficulties experienced by the world’s economy – Italy has confirmed its leading position among Azerbaijan’s trading partners. In addition to our oil imports, we also saw a continuous growth in bilateral trade as a whole, with exports of products that exemplify the “Made in Italy” brand (clothing, shoes, machinery, plants and furniture). We very much hope that this positive trend will continue and become even stronger in 2010.

N. Abdullayeva