As we reported, since 2017, active work has been going on towards the signing of the Strategic Partnership Agreement between Azerbaijan and the European Union. Serious progress has already been achieved in this direction.
Thus, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, in his statement to the press after the meeting with his Latvian counterpart Egils Levits on March 8, noted that there is progress regarding the agreement:
"We have signed or adopted declarations and agreements on strategic partnership with nine members of the European Union, which is one third of member-states. This really is a good platform for agreement, which is now being negotiated between Azerbaijan and European Commission. Absolute majority of the agreement is already agreed. So, we need to make final steps. Hopefully, we will do it sooner than later."
President of the International Eurasia Press Fund, Umud Mirzayev, told Ednews about the opportunities that the signing of the contract will create for the economy of Azerbaijan. He noted that discussions on signing the Strategic Partnership Agreement had been ongoing for a long time.
"I think that the concluded agreement will serve the interests of the parties. This agreement will be useful for both Azerbaijan and Europe. Where there is partnership, it is possible to talk about mutual relations and relationships. The terms of the agreement will strengthen relations between both parties and help open new opportunities. This agreement opens additional opportunities for the development of trade, culture and various other areas. I believe that the Strategic Partnership Agreement can make significant contributions to the economy of our country. In addition, the Partnership Agreement may have positive effects on all directions of the economy, including the expansion of Azerbaijan's import and export opportunities and the increase of tourism potential.
During the conversation, U. Mirzayev also added that all the details of the agreement have not been totally disclosed. Therefore, it is not easy to say exact and concrete opinion.
"Because the agreement should reflect such issues so that the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan is not questioned or there are no threats related to the postponement of certain issues. Currently, the Karabakh issue and the peace agreement have not found a solution. In any case, I predict that the agreement will be successful for the future of Azerbaijan. Europe has great interests in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is located in the place where economic resources, strategic position, location, and mega projects intersect and converge. In this sense, the agreement will serve not only the gain of our country, but also the gain of Europe."
Oghuz
