FM: Azerbaijan, EU have agreed on 90–95% of strategic partnership agreement

Azerbaijan and the European Union have reached an understanding on 90–95 percent of the points in their new strategic partnership agreement and have agreed to take practical steps to finalise the remaining issues in the near future, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said at a joint press conference with the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas.

“In recent years, there has been a stagnation in this matter. Today we discussed it again and agreed on practical steps to complete the agreement. The outstanding issues concern the economy and trade. The agreement may be supplemented at the next stage,” Bayramov said, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

Kallas' visit marks a milestone in EU-Azerbaijan relations

The Azerbaijani Foreign Minister called Kaja Kallas’s visit to Baku “symbolic,” noting that it was the first visit by an EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to Azerbaijan in nine years.

“This is an important opportunity to explore the prospects for cooperation between Azerbaijan and the EU. Overall, this is our second meeting with Kaja Kallas in a short period. The first took place in Malta in December last year on the sidelines of a ministerial meeting,” Bayramov said.

Energy partnership with EU remains strong

Bayramov underlined that Azerbaijan has long been a reliable supplier of oil and gas to Europe and continues to develop new projects with EU member states. He noted that the EU is Azerbaijan’s primary trading partner, with trade turnover reaching nearly $20 billion last year.

“Azerbaijan has long been a trusted trading partner for the EU. Energy plays a special role in our cooperation. For many years, we have been a reliable supplier of oil and gas to EU countries,” Bayramov stated.

He reminded that Azerbaijani gas is now exported to 12 countries, 10 of which are in Europe, including 8 EU member states.

Black Sea green energy cable project in progress

Bayramov highlighted the importance of the Black Sea undersea cable project, which will deliver green energy from Azerbaijan to Europe.

“A four-party agreement was signed in December 2022 with Hungary, Romania, and Georgia. Several EU countries have already expressed interest in joining the project. Delivering green energy from Central Asia to Europe via Azerbaijan may also become part of this initiative. Steps are already being taken in this direction,” he said.

Climate cooperation with EU could expand

Bayramov said that Azerbaijan’s cooperation with the EU on climate-related issues may deepen in the coming years.

He noted that Azerbaijan’s activity in the climate sphere has intensified significantly in the context of its preparations for hosting COP29.

Azerbaijan-Armenia normalisation

During the talks, the parties touched upon Azerbaijan-Armenia relations.

“Azerbaijan’s position is consistent and firmly rooted in international law. It is essential to remove from Armenia’s Constitution any provisions that contradict Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as claims to Azerbaijani lands. At the same time, Armenia must take concrete steps regarding the dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group, which is no longer active,” said Bayramov.

The minister noted that during discussions with Kaja Kallas, they discussed conflicts that threaten a wide geographical area and their impact on the countries of the region. He further explained, "In this context, I provided an overview of the situation in the South Caucasus, including the latest developments toward normalising relations with Armenia. A broad exchange of views took place regarding the peace negotiations initiated by Azerbaijan over the past two and a half years, the progress in drafting a peace treaty, and the overall status of negotiations. We also discussed Azerbaijan’s expectations from Armenia in detail."

Concerns over Armenia's revanche rhetoric and militarisation

Bayramov expressed Azerbaijan’s deep concern over Armenia’s ongoing militarisation and the persistence of revanchist sentiments, which he said pose a threat to the security of the South Caucasus region.

“Two days ago, during a mass rally in Armenia, there were hate-filled calls against Azerbaijan and Türkiye. Azerbaijani and Turkish flags were burned, which is absolutely unacceptable. Unfortunately, similar actions took place yesterday in Paris, though on a smaller scale,” he said.

The minister stressed that desecration of the state symbols of other countries is a crime under the laws of both Armenia and France. “Baku expects practical steps from the governments of Armenia and France in accordance with their legislation regarding these incidents. Authorities must stop such actions, which are shameful for any society,” Bayramov added.

Landmine contamination still a major obstacle

Bayramov also briefed the EU’s top diplomat on the extensive mine contamination in Azerbaijan, which he described as the most serious obstacle to reconstruction efforts in territories liberated from occupation.

“We will continue to face this problem for years to come. Seventy people have died due to mines planted by the Armenian side,” he stated.

By Tamilla Hasanova