Baku: Relations between Azerbaijan and the European Union have recently entered a new stage from a quality point of view, becoming deeper and more multifaceted. Deputy of Milli Majlis (Azerbaijani Parliament) Mushfig Jafarov told APA that this dynamic is the result of both regional geopolitical changes and the atmosphere of mutual confidence formed between the parties. In particular, the visit to Azerbaijan of the High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, clearly demonstrates that these relations are developing on reliable foundations.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Kaja Kallas' visit to Azerbaijan is not accidental and is a clear example of the high level of EU-Azerbaijan relations. The MP notes that the fact that this visit took place immediately after the European Political Union Summit in Armenia is an indicator of the importance Brussels attaches to relations with Baku: "Kaja Kallas has previously visited Azerbaijan and held meetings with President Ilham Aliyev within the framework of various international platforms. This is an indicator of the continuous political dialogue that has developed between the parties."

The MP said that although various political groups represented in the European Parliament are trying to undermine Azerbaijan-EU relations, these attempts do not yield real results: "On the contrary, there is close and continuous cooperation between the executive structures of the European Union, in particular the European Commission, and Azerbaijan. It is this institutional cooperation that determines the real essence and strategic nature of the relations."

Mushfig Jafarov emphasized that today's meeting between Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Kaja Kallas once again clearly reveals the directions for the development of relations: "The current state and future prospects of Azerbaijan-EU relations were discussed in detail during the talks held one-on-one and in an expanded format. During the meeting, the intensity of political dialogue and the importance of high-level mutual visits were particularly emphasized. The parties noted the importance of developing cooperation on the basis of the principles of mutual respect, equality, and common interests. At the same time, the resumption of negotiations on a new bilateral agreement and the continuation of the process on the Partnership Priorities document came to the fore."

The deputy noted that one of the main factors ensuring the sustainable development of relations between Azerbaijan and the European Union is institutional dialogue mechanisms. Currently, the dialogue between the parties is successfully continuing in three main areas: transport, energy security, and security. These mechanisms serve to establish cooperation on a systematic and long-term basis.

Azerbaijan is one of the key partners playing an important role in Europe's energy security today. Mushfig Jafarov emphasizes that the fact has been repeatedly noted by European officials, including Kaja Kallas: "Currently, Azerbaijani gas is already exported to 10 European countries. Recently, the expansion of energy supplies to countries such as Austria and Germany has further expanded the geography of this cooperation. Against the backdrop of geopolitical processes taking place in the Caspian region, Azerbaijan's role as a reliable energy partner is further strengthened."

Azerbaijan has a strategic position not only in the energy sector but also in the direction of transport and logistics. The deputy says that projects connecting the Caspian and Black Sea basins, including the TRIPP initiative, are positively assessed by the European Union: "Azerbaijan contributes to the diversification of global trade routes by acting as an important transit hub between Europe and Asia. This further increases the country's geoeconomic importance."

Mushfig Jafarov states that Azerbaijan acts as one of the main initiators of the peace agenda in the region. In this regard, the steps taken by the country are also positively assessed by the European Union: 'President Ilham Aliyev's speech at the European Political Community summit is an important and historic event in this context. This speech once again demonstrated Azerbaijan's position at the regional and global levels. Certain positive dynamics are also observed in relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The gradual development of economic relations serves to strengthen stability in the region. Azerbaijan acts as an important partner for the countries of the region in the energy sector and in this context indirectly contributes to Armenia's energy security. Although Armenia is likely to face energy shortages against the backdrop of the events taking place in the Middle East, Azerbaijan's existing capabilities have created conditions for maintaining energy stability in the region.'

During the meeting between Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Kaja Kallas, it was noted that opportunities for expanding cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, green energy, and digitalization were also discussed: The meeting particularly emphasized Azerbaijan's contribution to Europe's energy security and its role as a reliable partner. Azerbaijan-European Union relations are developing dynamically on the basis of the principles of mutual benefit, equality, and strategic partnership. These relations are not limited to the energy sector but have also become a broad platform for cooperation covering political, economic, and security areas. If the current dynamics are maintained, relations between Azerbaijan and the European Union will deepen further in the near future, and this cooperation will become an important guarantee of stability and development for both the region and Europe.