Baku: Azerbaijan's role in the region is more important today than ever before, said President of the European Council Ant³nio Costa during a press statement with President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, APA reports.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Costa emphasized the European Union's alignment with Azerbaijan's goal of fostering a peaceful, stable, interconnected, and prosperous South Caucasus. He highlighted the historic significance of progress in the peace process with Armenia, noting that the Washington agreements reflect Azerbaijan's dedication to dialogue and reconciliation. Costa assured that the European Union fully supports the implementation of these agreements.

Costa further elaborated that true peace extends beyond political accords. He emphasized that peace is built upon the daily lives of people, economic interactions, trade, and shared prosperity. He pointed out that enhancing economic interdependence is the most reliable path to achieving long-term stability in the region. Costa affirmed the European Union's readiness to assist in realizing these opportunities for the benefit of all parties involved.