Baku: Azerbaijan and the European Union recently convened for the seventh installment of their Security Dialogue in Baku. The meeting focused on the current state of EU-Azerbaijan relations and mutual foreign and security policy issues. It highlighted the increased high-level contacts between the two parties, including visits by President of the European Council Ant³nio Costa and High-Representative/Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas to Azerbaijan, where they met with President Ilham Aliyev. Both sides reaffirmed their interest in further developing their bilateral relations.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the dialogue emphasized ongoing discussions about renewed Partnership Priorities and a new bilateral agreement. The importance of maintaining regular communication under the existing EU-Azerbaijan Partnership and Cooperation Agreement was also underscored. Regional and international developments were discussed, covering geopolitical developments, connectivity, energy security, and the Middle Corridor/Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. The EU recognized Azerbaijan as a key partner in regional connectivity and energy diversification, stressing sustainable, economically viable, and rules-based cooperation.
The EU reiterated its support for humanitarian demining efforts in Azerbaijan and welcomed ongoing cooperation in this field. During their visit, the EU delegation observed Azerbaijani demining efforts in the Garabagh and East Zangezur Economic regions, including the Aghdam district. Additionally, the dialogue addressed the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process. The EU acknowledged recent progress, including confidence-building steps and increased contacts between the two nations, and encouraged continued dialogue for a sustainable peace.
The parties agreed to expand and rename the format to the EU-Azerbaijan Political and Security Dialogue, reflecting the growing strategic importance of their relationship. The meeting was co-chaired by Hikmat Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Olof Skoog, Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs at the European External Action Service.