Kaja Kallas: Brussels supports lasting peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia

The European Union (EU) is committed to supporting the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia and helping secure a lasting peace agreement, Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, said during a joint press conference with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov in Baku.

Kallas stressed that the EU continues to engage with both sides in negotiations and remains actively involved in regional peace efforts, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

“We will continue our efforts to establish peace in the region,” she stated.

During the meeting, the two officials also discussed the broader EU-Azerbaijan relationship. Kallas highlighted the strategic significance of Azerbaijan to the EU and expressed a desire to strengthen bilateral ties.

“Azerbaijan is an important partner in the region, and we have certain expectations regarding the strengthening of our relations,” she said.

She emphasised that cooperation between the EU and Azerbaijan is developing on a bilateral track, anchored in strong economic foundations.

“Our relations are developing along a bilateral path. The European Union is Azerbaijan’s largest trading partner, and we highly appreciate the efforts made to eliminate the traces of the conflict and save lives.”

The EU official also addressed specific areas of cooperation, including humanitarian efforts in post-conflict zones.

“The EU is contributing to the demining efforts in Azerbaijan,” she noted, adding that Brussels will continue to support measures aimed at mitigating the consequences of the conflict.

Looking to the future, Kallas announced that work is underway to elevate trade ties through a new agreement.

“We are planning to further enhance our trade relations with Azerbaijan based on a new agreement,” she underscored.

Returning to the issue of regional peace, Kallas welcomed recent progress in the peace talks between Baku and Yerevan. She said that the EU encourages continued dialogue and stands ready to support both sides.

“As the European Union, we express our support for the efforts to strengthen relations between the two countries and ensure a lasting and sustainable peace agreement. I welcome the agreement on the text of the peace treaty, looking forward to further productive steps.”

By Tamilla Hasanova