
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine
Ashton says European Union and South Caucasus develop fruitful relations and boosting cooperation will encourage democratic development and poverty reduction.
EU South Caucasus Department Director John Kjaer read out Ashton's letter in Baku prior to the talks on signing of the association agreement between Azerbaijan and EU.
"The negotiation on the association agreement is the beginning of this process. There is a need for serious work on both sides," the letter says.
Economic integration will give impetus to the development of market economy, implementation of international standards, promote competition, will increase domestic and foreign investment in the future, Ashton said in a message.
"Discussions on the association agreement actually demonstrate EU's loyalty to deepen relations with Azerbaijan and the whole region," Ashton said in her letter.
Ther EU-Azerbaijan negotiations on Association Agreement strated in Baku today.
/Trend/