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Latvian Foreign Minister delivers lecture in Azerbaijani Diplomatic Academy - PHOTO

24 February 2012 15:36 (UTC +04:00)

APA reports that the European Union is interested in strengthening of dialogue with Azerbaijan and intensifying of communication between the people. Minister said that Azerbaijan played a decisive role in the European Unionâ€™s energy policy and noted that Latvia supported the energy projects which would transport Caspian gas to the Europe within South Corridor.

Minister noted that the volume of trade turnover between Latvia and Azerbaijan increase today and the two countries have active political dialogue. He noted that the opening of embassies in the capitals of both countries, establishment of direct air communication positively effected the strengthening of bilateral relations: â€œAll these shows that we are on the eve of beginning of a new era in our relationsâ€. The Minister also said that he supported the visa facilitation between Azerbaijan and European Union.

Assessing the current economic crisis in Europe, the Latvian FM said that EU has no alternatives. Touching upon the Iranian issue, RinkÄ“viÄs noted that it was necessary to involve Iran in negotiations: â€œIt would be beneficial to use the experience of Azerbaijan which has geographical borders with Iranâ€.

As regards Turkeyâ€™s aspiration for EU membership, the Latvian FM said that these negotiations have been continuing for 50 years, because Turkey was a very important country for the region: â€œWe support Turkeyâ€™s membership to the European Unionâ€.