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Austrian Minister for European and International Affairs: We are ready to back every diplomatic initiative for a peaceful resolution of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict â€“ EXCLUSIVE - INTERVIEW

18 June 2010 15:42 (UTC +04:00)

Baku. Viktoria Dementieva â€“ APA. APAâ€™s interview with Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of Austria Michael Spindelegger

- How do you estimate the level of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Austria?

- The relations between our two countries are not only very good and they offer still great potential for both sides. There are many areas where we could both benefit from closer cooperation, such as economy, science, tourism, culture or energy. This is the reason why Austria is opening an Embassy in Baku and the occasion for my visit to Azerbaijan. I am convinced that this is the starting point for a further intensification of our bilateral relations.

- How can the opening of Austrian Embassy in Baku impact on bilateral relations between our countries?

- Together with the Austrian Library in Baku the Embassy will offer an on-site platform for the relations between our countries. It has the opportunity to establish direct contacts in the country itself, to the authorities as well as to the world of science, the media and the economic sphere. The embassy will provide efficient support for Austrians coming to Azerbaijan but also for Azerbaijani citizens who want to visit Austria.

- In what spheres is Austria interested to cooperate with Azerbaijan most?

- Although there are already many successful contacts in the economic field there is potential for a significant enhancement of our cooperation. Construction business, environmental technology, healthcare and the energy sector are among those areas where Austrian companies can offer interesting know-how. Furthermore we are very interested in strengthening our relations in the areas of culture, education, science and research.

- How do you estimate the cooperation between our countries in energy sphere?

- Our aim is the diversification of our gas sources and delivery routes. In this endeavour the Nabucco project and Azerbaijan play a key role. We believe that the cooperation in the energy sphere holds great promises and can create a win-win situation for both sides.

- How much is commodity turnover between our countries? And will it increase after opening of Austrian Embassy in Baku?

- The exports of Azerbaijan to Austria already amounted to 37,3 mln. Euro in 2009, and imports from Austria to 42 mln. Euro. I am convinced that the opening of the Austrian Embassy in Baku will step up significantly the relations between our two countries and will also have an impact on our bilateral trade.

- What is the position of Austria on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?

- The ongoing conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh remains a major preoccupation for the European Union in its relationship with the region. Austria fully supports the work of the OSCE Minsk-Group and we are ready to back every diplomatic initiative for a peaceful resolution of this conflict. The political declaration on Nagorno-Karabakh at the OSCE-Summit in Athens in December last year invited both parties to start negotiations on a comprehensive peace agreement. I hope that that Armenia and Azerbaijan will be able to bridge the differences in the near future to secure a peace agreement.