The President described the visit by the EU troika delegation to Azerbaijan as very important, adding it marks a new phase in development of the bilateral cooperation.

The Azerbaijani leader stressed the high level of relations between Azerbaijan and the EU, and said "we intend to develop our cooperation in different directions."

"The neighborhood policy will bring peace and prosperity to the whole region. I believe the discussions will help development of ties between the European Union and South Caucasus," President noted.

Finland's Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja said they are now discussing the neighborhood policy in Azerbaijan.

Mr. Tuomioja described the Baku visit as fruitful, saying he believes the neighborhood policy will contribute to settlement of conflicts in the region. AzerTAg