Foreign

Foreign

Ambassadors of the European Union pay official visit to Nakhchivan

23 February 2011 09:55 (UTC +04:00)

Baku â€“ APA. On 21-22 February 2011, the Ambassadors and representatives of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Germany, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands and European Union Delegation paid an official visit to the Autonomous Republic of Nakhchivan. The visit was an opportunity for EU Ambassadors to discuss all aspects of their relationship with Nakhchivan, to assess the areas of future cooperation, in the context of the Eastern Partnership, and to contribute to a better mutual understanding.

"The visit demonstrates EU’s willingness to engage with all regions of Azerbaijan on an equal footing. We believe that a stronger partnership between Nakhchivan and the EU has a lot to offer at many levels. We received a clear message from local authorities as well as civil society organisations calling for more EU engagement in the region. The EU has received assurances from the highest authorities that future visits to Nakhchivan from the European Union and its Member States will always be welcome at any time", said Ambassador Roland Kobia, on behalf of EU Presidency.

Over the 24-hour visit, the EU Ambassadors assessed the specificities of the region and notably the adverse effects of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The EU indicated its willingness to engage more with the region to contribute to its sustainable development. Ambassadors welcomed and encouraged the development of OSCE projects in Nakhchivan, and identified economic development, education and science as possible areas of future joint collaboration.

During the visit, the EU Ambassadors met with the Chairman of Supreme Assembly of the Autonomous Republic of Nakhchivan, Ministers of Internal Affairs, Justice, Economic Development, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ombudsman as well as non-governmental NGOs and political parties of different horizons. Topics covered political issues and cooperation in the areas of a.o. gender, youth, environment, human rights and democratisation highlighted topical issues where EU involvement could be forthcoming.