ITALIAN FM FRANCO FRATTINI: AZERBAIJAN’S CONTRIBUTION TO EUROPEAN ENERGY SECURITY IS CRUCIAL
N. Abdullayeva
Today
cs/58425.html
Dec 22 2009
Azerbaijan
Day.Az interview with Italian Foreign Minister Mr. Franco Frattini.
Day.Az: How do you assess the current level of political, economic
and cultural ties between Azerbaijan and Italy?
Franco Frattini: Italy and Azerbaijan are linked by profound friendship
and co-operation and by a fruitful economic partnership.
Over the years, our two countries have created a growing number of
opportunities for political dialogue both at the bilateral level and
multilaterally (particularly in the OSCE and the Council of Europe).
Cultural cooperation, fostered by the deep bond between our two
peoples, is also very intensive. It is in this very positive context
that Italy recently decided to implement an ad hoc strategy aimed at
enhancing bilateral co-operation with the six countries – Azerbaijan
included. This also falls within the framework of the EU’s Eastern
Partnership, taking advantage of the dynamics set in motion by the
various initiatives and projects that will be implemented under the
Partnership at both the bilateral and multilateral levels.
What areas of bilateral cooperation are the most promising, or have
the highest priority, for Italy?
Italy is Azerbaijan’s main trading partner, with a turnover of
almost 3 billion euros in the first half of 2009. This is mainly due
to the energy sector and our imports of Azerbaijani oil. However,
there is still huge potential to further deepen our business ties,
for example through cooperation to develop sectors of Azerbaijan’s
economy (such as agriculture and the food processing industry)
which could benefit highly from the experience of Italian small-
and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
To what extent is Italy interested in purchasing Azerbaijan gas?
As I said earlier, until now we have mainly imported oil from
Azerbaijan, but of course we are also interested in buying gas, should
the opportunity arise. Italy – as a consumer country – is generally
interested in reliable and cost-effective energy supplies and in
diversifying suppliers and routes. Therefore, we support projects –
for example the Italy-Turkey-Greece Interconnector (ITGI) and Nabucco –
aimed at enhancing Europe’s energy security by channelling resources
produced in the Caspian area. In this regard, Azerbaijan’s contribution
is crucial: its political stability and its balanced foreign policy
are important assets, especially in an area -the Caucasus – which is
not immune from problems.
The negotiations to seek a solution to the
Azerbaijan-Armenia-Nagorno-Karabakh conflict have been stepped up
lately. More optimistic statements are being issued regarding the
resolution of the conflict. As an OSCE Minsk Group member, Italy is
highly significant to Azerbaijan in this regard. How would you assess
this more intensive approach to the negotiations?
We fully support the intensification of the efforts made by the
OSCE Minsk Group and by the two Presidents in recent months. The
Greek Chair’s statement at the Ministerial Council in Athens on 1-2
December 2009 recognizes the efforts made by the parties to achieve a
solution based on the Madrid Principles. Even though there have been
no concrete developments to date, it must be recognized that there is
a common willingness to cooperate. The two Presidents met six times
during 2009 and this is a sign that the process is moving ahead.
How can Italy help Azerbaijan achieve closer integration with European
structures?
Italy has always supported efforts aimed at bringing Azerbaijan
closer to the European institutions. This will continue to be
a strategic foreign policy goal for Italy, to be pursued in all
fora. More specifically, we consider the Eastern Partnership to be
an important tool to strengthen and widen the scope of cooperation
between Azerbaijan and the European Union, both at the bilateral
level and in multilateral platforms, where our Azerbaijani friends
can rely on our continuing support.
What plans do Azerbaijan and Italy have to develop bilateral
cooperation in 2010? Do the countries plan to exchange high-level
visits next year?
Our last bilateral business forum was held in Rome exactly one year ago
and its follow-up is scheduled to take place in 2010. We are currently
working on this event, on which we are liaising closely with the Azeri
Authorities. Further meetings at the political and economic level are
also planned for next year. We are currently discussing the schedule.
How do you assess the outcome of Azerbaijan-Italy bilateral cooperation
in 2009?
Relations between Italy and Azerbaijan are a success story in
all sectors. However, let me mention the results achieved in the
economic sphere where – despite the recent difficulties experienced
by the world’s economy – Italy has confirmed its leading position
among Azerbaijan’s trading partners. In addition to our oil imports,
we also saw a continuous growth in bilateral trade as a whole, with
exports of products that exemplify the "Made in Italy" brand (clothing,
shoes, machinery, plants and furniture). We very much hope that this
positive trend will continue and become even stronger in 2010.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress