Baku: "Thank you Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for your warm welcome to Baku," President of the European Council Ant³nio Costa wrote on X after meeting with President Ilham Aliyev, APA reports.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Costa expressed his anticipation for advancing towards a new framework aimed at closer cooperation between the EU and Azerbaijan, emphasizing the mutual vision both entities hold for the future. He highlighted the importance of fortifying relations amid escalating global tensions and instability, stressing that such alliances are crucial now more than ever.

Costa assured Azerbaijan of the EU's unwavering solidarity, particularly in light of the dangerous military escalations occurring in Iran and the Middle East, which pose potential risks to Azerbaijan. This statement underscores the EU's commitment to standing with Azerbaijan during these challenging times.