GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER BEGINS VISIT TO SOUTHERN CAUCASUS

Deutsche Presse-Agentur
February 18, 2007 Sunday 2:49 AM EST

DPA POLITICS Germany Diplomacy Azerbaijan Georgia Armenia German
foreign minister begins visit to southern Caucasus Berlin/Moscow
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier heads Sunday for
a three-day visit to the three countries in the southern Caucasus,
including the oil- and gas-rich Azerbaijan.

Steinmeier is expected in the Azerbaijani capital of Baku Sunday
evening, where he will hold meetings on Monday.

He will then head to Georgia and Armenia.

In stops in Georgia and Armenia, Steinmeier will discuss further
developments in regional policies with the European Union.

Germany holds the current presidency of the European Union, which
is currently seeking a secure strategy for energy supplies to its
members. Azerbaijan is an important supplier.