Azer Tag, Azerbaijan State Info Agency
May 18 2004
MEETING OF PRESIDENT ILHAM ALIYEV WITH MR. ROMANO PRODI, PRESIDENT OF
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION
[May 18, 2004, 19:47:38]
On 18 May, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Mr. Romano
Prodi, President of the European Commission.
Mr. Romano Prodi warmly greeted the President of Azerbaijan and
expressed pleasure meeting with him. They were taken their photos in
memory.
In the course of conversation, the parties exchanged views on the
“European neighborhood policy” program” and involvement of Azerbaijan
to it. Mr. Romano Prodi said that from this day, large cooperation
between Azerbaijan Republic and the European Commission has just
started and we support admission of Azerbaijan to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) and the ongoing economic reforms in the Republic.
Touching the Armenia -Azerbaijan, Nagorny Karabakh conflict, he
expressed concern of the European Commission and underlined that the
EC wishes the OSCE Minsk Group’s efforts gave their fruits for fair
resolution to the problem.
Noting that integration to Europe is priority in the foreign policy
of Azerbaijan Republic, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev spoke of
the realized expedient works in this direction. The Head of State
noted that the European Union has appointed its representative in the
South Caucasus. The said representative has recommended involvement
of Azerbaijan to the “European neighborhood policy” program and we
highly appraise it. President Ilham Aliyev updated Mr. Prodi on the
socio-economic reforms and their successful results in the country.
Speaking of the Nagorny Karabakh conflict, Head of Azerbaijan
Republic noted that Azerbaijan is going to restore its territorial
integrity. The Minsk Group should be more active in settlement of the
problem, President Aliyev emphasized. Azerbaijan wishes that the
European Union, the Council of Europe to assist Azerbaijan in this
direction. One should not bear the aggression of Armenia against
Azerbaijan, being a part of Europe, and joining the “European
neighborhood policy” program, he stressed.
Then, was held a briefing for media representatives.