Kallas: Azerbaijan remains “very reliable energy partner” for EU

The European Union is looking to deepen its cooperation with Azerbaijan, particularly in the fields of energy, trade and connectivity, while also considering expanded support for demining efforts, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on April 21.

Speaking at a press conference following a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg, Kallas described Azerbaijan as “a very reliable energy partner” and stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral ties.

“We discussed also what more can we do in terms of the relationship with Azerbaijan. We need to work more and strengthen our ties on the issues of common interest like energy and trade. Azerbaijan has been a very reliable energy partner to the European Union countries,” she said.

Commenting on Baku’s call to expand international assistance for demining in Karabakh, Kallas noted that the EU is already involved in such efforts and does not rule out taking additional steps to support the country in this area.

“On the demining we are helping different countries in demining in the world. So, if the request is there, we are also looking into what more can we do, but we did not have a decision on this today,” she added.

At the beginning of the press conference, Kallas stressed that the EU views the South Caucasus as a region of strategic importance. According to her, Europe is interested in a stable and secure South Caucasus, and progress in the Armenian–Azerbaijani peace process “is a real opportunity for the region.”

She also highlighted Azerbaijan’s important role as a partner in “energy and connectivity,” noting that the EU intends to deepen cooperation and resume negotiations on a new bilateral agreement in the near future.

“Azerbaijan remains an important partner on energy and connectivity. We want to deepen our ties and will resume negotiations of a new bilateral cooperation agreement soon,” Kallas said.

Kallas further stated that the EU is increasing its support for the peace process and has agreed to establish a new civilian mission in Armenia aimed at strengthening the country’s resilience, including against disinformation and cyberattacks. At the same time, the EU expects to deepen its partnership with Yerevan.

By Vugar Khalilov