arminfo
2007-02-16 13:10:00
GERMAN FEDERAL CHANCELLOR ANGELA MERKEL STRESSED NECESSITY OF ECONOMIC
AND DEMOCRATIC REFORMS IN AZERBAIJAN
Ties between Azerbaijan and EU are important both for Azerbaijan and
European Union, Angela Merkel, German Federal Chancellor, said
yesterday after the talks with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. "It
is necessary to conduct reforms both in economic and public-political
fields," said Merkel. Development of democracy was the second subject
of talks, said Merkel. Cooperation in energy industry was among
priority subjects of negotiations. Ties between EU and Azerbaijan in
this field will strengthen day by day. Germany will provide assistance
to Azerbaijan to diversify economy, said Merkel.
Tehran’s nuclear program has been also touched upon during the talks.
Aliyev expressed satisfaction with expanding of Azerbaijani-German
relationships in political and economic fields.
He added that joint efforts in deepening of democratic processes in
Azerbaijan and observation of human rights have been discussed at the
meeting.
Relationships between EU and Azerbaijan as well as threats and
conflicts in the region were a subject of talks, continued Aliyev.
"Azerbaijan is a participant of EU new neighborhood policy and hopes
that in the coming five years Azerbaijan will approach EU criteria in
all directions, added president.
Aliyev has positively assessed EU’s position to the conflicts in the
South Caucasus, which have arisen as a result of separatist intentions.
"I am sure that EU’s growing attention to these issues will contribute
to the conflicts settlement," said Aliyev.
Asked about perspectives of economic ties between Germany and
Azerbaijan, Merkel said she is satisfied with activity of German firms
in Azerbaijan.
"At present many German companies have been working in Azerbaijan and
they could contribute to creation of new infrastructure," said Merkel.
Aliyev stressed favorable investment climate in Azerbaijan. Over $30
billion has been invested in Azerbaijan during the past ten years. He
expressed confidence that the business- forum with participation of two
countries’ business circles, which is scheduled to be held on February
16, will help to conclude new contracts. Questioned how Azerbaijan
could contribute to European energy security, Merkel answered: "Oil
pipelines construction is in progress at present. These pipelines are
built through Ukraine and Poland to Europe. Azerbaijani gas will be
pumped through Greece via this pipeline." Therefore, energy carriers
>From alternative sources will be delivered to Europe, she added.
Aliyev added that this year Azerbaijan could deliver its gas to Europe
via the existing pipelines.