Azer Tag, Azerbaijan
March 23 2004

EU PAYS SPECIAL ATTENTION TO DEVELOPMENT OF RELATIONS WITH AZERBAIJAN

On March 22, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Vilayat
Guliyev the delegation headed by the special representative of the
European Union for the Southern Caucasus Heiki Talvitie.

As was informed from the press center of the ministry, Vilayat
Guliyev, warmly welcomed the visitors, emphasized that development of
relations between Azerbaijan and the European Union represents
special value for the Country.

Having noted that Azerbaijan is most economically advanced country on
Southern Caucasus, the Minister has emphasized necessity of the
further expansion of cooperation between our country and EU.

Then, Vilayat Guliyev informed visitors on prospects of connections
of Azerbaijan with the neighboring states, including with Georgia,
and the economic projects which are carried out within the framework
of regional cooperation, the work spent in the field of settlement of
the Armenian-Azerbaijani, Nagorny Karabakh conflict, activity of the
OSCE Minsk Group in this direction.

The special representative of the European Union for the Southern
Caucasus Heiki Talvitie has emphasized that the structure represented
by him attaches huge significance to the further development of
cooperation with Azerbaijan and supports more intensive continuation
of the connections representing mutual interest.

Having touched the Armenian-Azerbaijan, Nagorny Karabakh conflict,
Mr. Heiki Talvitie has noted necessity of continuation of bilateral
negotiations and has expressed hope that as a result of joint efforts
of the international community, the conflict would shortly find the
fair peace settlement.

Then, the parties had exchange of views on a number of issues
representing mutual interest.