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Slovenian Foreign Minister Samuel Zbogar: We are interested in deepening the dialogue with Azerbaijan â€“ EXCLUSIVE - INTERVIEW

Slovenian Foreign Minister Samuel Zbogar: We are interested in deepening the dialogue with Azerbaijan â€“ <font color=red>EXCLUSIVE - INTERVIEW</font>

05 November 2009 13:06 (UTC +04:00)

Helsinki. Kamala Ramazanova â€“ APA. Chairman of the Council of Europeâ€™s Committee of Ministers, Slovenian Foreign Minister Samuel Zbogar interviewed by APA

- How do you estimate Slovenia â€“ Azerbaijan relations?

- Bilateral political relations and cooperation between the Republic of Slovenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan are good and friendly, but we have had relatively few contacts in the past. There are still many unexploited opportunities in the field of economic cooperation. Slovenia is interested in deepening the dialogue; in this light we are also organizing the visit of the President of the Republic of Slovenia, H. E. Dr. Danilo TÃ¼rk, in the Republic of Azerbaijan in November 2009.

- How do you assess the role of Azerbaijan in the diversification of energy supplies to Europe?

- Azerbaijan is located in the area which is of strategic importance for the European Union; it is the main entrance for the transport of oil and gas from the Caspian Sea and Central Asia towards the West and an important alternative to the energy supplies from Russia. Slovenia supports the energy dialogue between Azerbaijan and EU, as it ensures reliable supplies and new sources of energy and transport routes beside the existing ones.

- You attended the signing ceremony of the protocols on the normalization of Armenia â€“ Turkey relationsâ€¦

- Slovenia welcomes the signature of the two protocols by Armenia and Turkey in ZÃ¼rich on 10 October relating to the establishment of diplomatic relations and the development of bilateral relations between the two countries, including the opening of the common border. This was a historic event since Turkey and Armenia had decided to put distrust behind them, and overcome their painful history. We support the decision of the two countries to create a better future for both nations and contribute to security and stability in the region. The opening of the border could as well have a positive impact on the Armenian economy.

- What will be next step after signing of the protocols? And how do you think it will affect the solution of the Nagorno â€“Karabakh?

- Slovenia hopes that Turkey and Armenia will remain committed to the process of normalization of relations and ratify and implement the protocols as soon as possible. We believe that the full normalisation of bilateral relations between Armenia and Turkey would be an important contribution to security, stability and cooperation throughout the region. In the process of resolving the Nagorno Karabakh issue Slovenia fully supports the efforts of the OSCE Minsk group.

- How stable do you think the situation is in the Caucasus countries? Do you expect new revolutions in the region?

- Stability of South Caucasus is of the utmost importance for the EU. That is also why Slovenia supported the latest EU initiative from the very beginning. Eastern Partnership will significantly contribute to the implementation of political and socio-economical reforms in partner countries. It is aimed at strengthening the commitment to stability, security and prosperity of the whole Europe.