Brussels:The First Azerbaijan-EU Think Tanks Forum, titled 'Azerbaijan and the European Union New Perspectives,' was held in Brussels on October 27. The event was co-organized by Azerbaijan's Centre of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center) and Belgium's Egmont - Royal Institute for International Relations.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Bernard Siman, a Senior Associate Fellow at the Egmont Institute, addressed the opening ceremony, highlighting the essential role of think tanks in generating new ideas, developing strategic approaches, and forecasting future trends.

Farid Shafiyev, Chairman of the Board of the AIR Center, remarked on the mutual interest in strengthening the partnership, as evidenced by visits from the heads of European institutions to Azerbaijan this year. He described these visits as the beginning of a new phase in Azerbaijan-European Union relations.

Shafiyev also discussed the progress in normalizing relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia following the Washington summit. He emphasized the need for Armenia to remove territorial claims against Azerbaijan from its Constitution, ensuring that any peace agreement aligns with constitutional provisions. Shafiyev stressed the importance of Europe's historical experience in finding potential solutions.

Highlighting the effectiveness of direct contacts over third-party involvement, Shafiyev urged European politicians to differentiate between contributors and hindrances to the peace process. He affirmed Azerbaijan's commitment to promoting peace.

The forum featured panel sessions and included experts from think tanks in Azerbaijan, Belgium, Italy, Spain, the Czech Republic, Austria, Romania, North Macedonia, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Sweden.