309
wap.aliyevheritage.org
BAKU-BRUSSELS (Azerbaijan-European Union relations)
meet with him earlier, when he was holding other positions. I have come to Azer-
baijan many times during my political life. I saw the country, Baku and I have very
bright memories about my trips to wonderful city, wonderful country. Today, with
the President, we analyzed the relations between the EU and Azerbaijan. Along with
that, we reviewed the ways of stronger impact on the progress taking place in the
country, further development of the ties. The positive economic processes taking
place in the country delight us and I speak about energy projects. Not only from the
political, but also from economic standpoints, we will always be interested in con-
tinuation of the bilateral relations, thus, I would like to thank President for this visit
and make sincere wishes both in political and personal life. I wish happiness to your
country.
Ilham Aliyev: Thank you very much, Mr. Secretary General. Yes, we have met
many times in Baku. Mr. Secretary General have been to our country several times,
and we are glad that he has so bright memories about the processes taking place in
Azerbaijan. It is a great honor for me to meet here with the Secretary-General as the
President.
This was very productive day for me. All meetings conducted since the morning
up to current meeting with Mr. Secretary General showed again that our policy of
integration into European structures is continued. This is our strategic choice. Azer-
baijan sees its future in European family. Of course, we will do our best to meet all
European criteria.
Our cooperation in various fields - in the field of transport, energy, as a whole in
economic sphere is very successful, and we intend to continue our relations. We have
very respectful attitude to the attention drawn by the European Union towards our
country and South Caucasus as a whole. Appointment of the EU Special Representa-
tive for the South Caucasus and new neighborhood program with the countries of the
South Caucasus show that our region is at the focal point. Relations of the European
Union with the countries of our region are of paramount importance. I speak on be-
half of Azerbaijan and there are no doubts that our country will continue this policy
in this direction. We will aspire for more stable relations, high level cooperation and
deeper integration.
I would like to thank Mr. Solana for his hospitability. We had wonderful talk. We
covered huge spectrum of issues. I am confident that our further meetings, upcoming
meetings in Baku will become as much productive as our current meeting. Thank
you.
Question: Have you discussed the issue of Nagorno-Karabakh? Evidently, the
OSCE do not succeed in the solution of this conflict. Might the EU take the lead?
Second question: What kind of impact does the new neighborhood program have
on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?
310
www.aliyevheritage.org
BAKU-BRUSSELS (Azerbaijan-European Union relations)
Javier Solana: Of course, we discussed Nagorno-Karabakh issue. This topic con-
cerns us for a long time. Indeed, there is no progress in the issue. We would like to
see some progress in the negotiations. We are hopeful that the meetings conducted
recently - not only meetings of presidents but also contacts of the foreign ministers
will contribute to the process and make it more active. I promised the President that
we would do our best.
Indeed, the new neighborhood project will further the opportunity of joining of
the European Union to this process. On the other hand, OSCE Minsk group is en-
gaged in it. We can help and cooperate. However, the Minsk Group is directly in
charge of it.
Question: Mr. President and Mr. Solana, do you think that political and economic
relations between European Union and Azerbaijan are satisfactory?
Second question: Mr. Solana, which country out of three South Caucasian coun-
tries is closer to you?
Javier Solana: You want me to choose one. You know that I am complicated
politician and will not do that.
Let me just mention that our relations with Azerbaijan are at a high level. Eco-
nomic perspective of Azerbaijan for the foreseeable future is very respectful, bright
and splendid. That is why our ties will be active. There are no doubts. The progress
of the country, development of the transport systems with the energy carriers, multi-
sided infrastructure, increase of the volume of transportations through Turkey and
Greece to European countries are very reliable. That is why relations will be devel-
oping. Nowadays they are at a high level. However, it is very important that they will
become better.
As I have already said, I will not answer the second question.
Ilham Aliyev: I would like to add that our relations, economic bonds with the Eu-
ropean Union are developing successfully. Only in 2003 the turnover has increased
by 40%. This is an indication of a good dynamics. Azerbaijan is a country with de-
veloping economy. Our economic potential is increasing. Of course, taking this into
account, we can talk about wider and more active economic cooperation in future.
I would also like to comment on the first issue related to Nagorno-Karabakh. We
think that European Union plays extremely important role in this direction. Defi-
nitely, there is mandate of the OSCE Minsk group on this issue. We do not intend to
change the mandate. At the same time, Azerbaijan is fully aware that wider interna-
tional attention, attention of European structures and opinion of the European com-
munity would promote peace settlement of the conflict sooner.
Using this opportunity, I would like to thank the EU officials for active participa-
tion in dealing with this problem. Thank you very much.