The visit of the President of the Council of the European Union Charles Michel to our country on July 18 can be considered a new page in the development of relations between this organization and Azerbaijan. Two-hour one-on-one meeting between President Ilham Aliyev and Charles Michel, talks covering a wide range of Azerbaijani-EU relations, satisfaction with political relations, discussion of cooperation in trade, energy security, Southern Gas Corridor and transport, prospects for cooperation in the South Caucasus The exchange of views on

I AZERTAG to the statement, MP, member of the Board of New Azerbaijan Party Javid Osmanov said.

Osmanov said he got acquainted with the level of development and prospects of the country’s development during Charles Michel’s visit to Azerbaijan. “The President of the European Council watched the activities of Azercosmos and took part in a presentation on the Silk Road and Alat Free Economic Zone. It was clear from his speech that Azerbaijan was a strong developing country and that it had created new realities in the region as a result of 44 days of military operations, as Charles Michel did not use the terms “Nagorno-Karabakh”, “status” and so on in his speech. Although we know very well that the Armenian lobby and pro-Armenian circles in Europe are putting strong pressure on a number of international organizations, including the European Union.In fact, the European Union looks down on Armenia, and relations with this country are built against the pressure and influence of the Armenian lobby.

According to the MP, the EU’s relations with Azerbaijan are built in a completely different direction, on the level of mutual partnership. The European Union is one of Azerbaijan’s main trading partners and has high-level relations with the nine member states, which make up one third of the EU member states. In addition, the Southern Gas Corridor project, initiated by Azerbaijan, ensures Europe’s energy security, and therefore Azerbaijan is important for Europe. In short, Azerbaijan is a key strategic partner of the European Union, and Azerbaijan is recognized not only in Europe, but all over the world as a country with its own voice.

“Many important points were clarified at the joint press conference of EU Council President Charles Michel and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. At the press conference, President Ilham Aliyev reiterated the realities of Azerbaijan to the world and resolutely stated the right position of our state. “President Ilham Aliyev’s statement that it is time to think about peace shows once again that Azerbaijan is always ready for peace. Azerbaijan’s interest in opening all communications in the region is a clear proof of this, as reflected in the trilateral statement of November 10, 2020.” said Osmanov.

He stressed that the opening of communications will have a positive impact on the development of the region as a whole, and the salvation of Armenia depends on it. Because Armenia’s long-standing occupation has isolated the country from projects in the region and turned it into a dead end. However, Armenia still does not want to give up the rhetoric of aggression, although the country has no potential to hinder the process. The only way out for Armenia is to withdraw from the position of aggression and sign a peace agreement with Azerbaijan. The European Union should use its opportunities to push Armenia to peace talks, even to force it not to act as a threat to security in the region. Ensuring security in the region is also in the interests of the European Union. He wants Azerbaijan, a key partner in the South Caucasus, should not be forced into the conflict and should not create obstacles to the development of future relations. “Azerbaijan is located at the junction of East-West, North-South transport corridors, and the opening of the Zangazur corridor can play a special role in international transport, as well as have a positive impact on strengthening peace and security in the region. Despite the fact that the opening of the Zangazur corridor is also beneficial for Armenia, the country is trying to delay the project. However, Armenia’s attempts to delay the opening of the Zangazur corridor have failed and will not yield any results. Armenia has been occupying Azerbaijani lands for about 30 years, during which time it has committed all kinds of vandals in our lands.

Noting with regret that Armenia continues environmental terrorism against Azerbaijan, the MP said that the European Union, as well as other international organizations must influence Armenia on these and other issues, to force the country to withdraw from the position of aggression and terrorism. This position of Armenia is a threat not only to Azerbaijan, but also to the region and the whole world. In any case, Armenia must not forget the impact and strength of the “iron fist” it felt during the 44-day military operation.

Source: Azerbaijan State News Agency