Baku: On May 5, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov met with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas, who is visiting the country, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told APA. During this meeting, the current state and prospects of Azerbaijan-EU relations were thoroughly reviewed in both one-on-one and expanded formats.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the discussions emphasized the intensity of political dialogue and the significance of high-level mutual visits. The need for developing the partnership based on mutual respect, equality, and shared interests was underscored. The dialogue mechanisms between Azerbaijan and Europe, the resumption of negotiations on a new bilateral agreement, and ongoing discussions on the Partnership Priorities document were highlighted as important areas of focus.
The meeting explored opportunities for expanding cooperation in areas such as economy, trade, energy security, transport and logistics, green energy, and digitalization. Azerbaijan's contributions to Europe's energy security and its reliability as a partner were acknowledged. Additionally, Minister Jeyhun Bayramov briefed the EU representative on the post-conflict situation in the region, detailing Azerbaijan's restoration and reconstruction efforts, and measures against mine threats. An exchange of views regarding the normalization process with Armenia took place, with Azerbaijan's commitment to sustainable regional peace reiterated.
Furthermore, the parties discussed regional and international security matters, including cooperation within multilateral platforms and joint actions against global challenges. Prospects for further cooperation between Azerbaijan and the EU within various institutions and programs were reviewed. The expanded meeting also included discussions on legal and institutional cooperation, emphasizing energy collaboration and Azerbaijan's role in renewable energy. Trade, investment, digitalization, and industrial cooperation, alongside transport and logistics connectivity, were also addressed, notably focusing on the Middle Corridor and regional infrastructure projects.
Minister Bayramov welcomed Kaja Kallas, noting that the EU representative's visit underscores the importance of Azerbaijan-EU engagement and dialogue amid evolving regional and global dynamics. This engagement presents opportunities to expand cooperation based on mutual respect and shared interests.