EU, Azerbaijan should advance efforts to enhance co-operation: EU Commissar

"We must continue to strengthen our joint work", said Waldner. On Dec. 4, the European Commission adopted a decision to support the initiative of Poland and Sweden on the new policy the EU "Eastern Partnership, which proposes closer cooperation with Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia, Moldova and Ukraine.

The "Eastern Partnership", which will be a multinational forum, will include EU 27 states, as well as Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Negotiations regarding visa free regime, free trade zones and conclusion of strategic agreements will be held within the organization. Projects for exchange of students, environmental protection and energy safety will be implemented.

The EU considers the "Eastern Partnership" policy as a step ahead, as in comparison to the current neighborhood policy the new initiative will have priorities. In Particular, Brussels plans to sign Azerbaijan agreement with all these countries on association of Ukrainian example. In addition, a program of building institutions will be launched, on which EU experts will determine the weaknesses of each of the countries of "Eastern Partnership" and will help remedy the situation through training, providing equipment and technical assistance.

The "Eastern Partnership" also includes a detailed plan to establish free trade zones and combining in the Economic Community of neighbors, as well as easing visa regime with relevant states and additional funding. In contrast to the neighborhood policy, politicians will regularly meet within the "Eastern Partnership".

/Trend News/