The Memorandum of Understanding signed between Azerbaijan and the EU is beneficial for both sides
“Comprehensive development of our country, continuous growth of its economic power, becoming a voice in the region, as well as global initiatives, huge and useful projects implemented by it are strengthening its international position. The achievement of all these achievements is closely related to the factor of a strong state and strong political power. As a result of this, the socio-political stability in Azerbaijan has created favorable conditions for the dynamic development of our country in all fields. Currently, Azerbaijan plays an important role in ensuring the energy security of the world, including Europe, and the position of our country as a reliable partner expands these possibilities. Azerbaijan has already become the energy center of the region, and its potential in the direction of eliminating existing problems in this field is highly valued in the world.
Sattar Mohbaliyev, chairman of the Azerbaijan Trade Unions Confederation (ATUC), expressed these views in his statement to the media.
According to him, the relations between the European Union (EU) and Azerbaijan are developing on a rising line: “Recently organized mutual visits and regular discussions have an important role in deepening our cooperation. It is known that the European Union is considered the main trade partner of Azerbaijan, and last year the trade turnover with the Union exceeded 15 billion dollars. Also, 40 percent of our trade is with the European Union. If we look at the statistics, we will see that Azerbaijan remains the main trading partner of the European Union in the South Caucasus. So, while the share of the Union in the total trade turnover is 23.9 percent in Georgia, 18 percent in Armenia, it is 36.7 percent in Azerbaijan. Also, at the crossroads of our country between Europe and Asia, the fact that it is located in a very favorable economic-geographical position where international transport routes pass, as well as the fact that the global transport corridors from west to east and from north to south pass through here are some of the points that increase the importance of our country for the European Union. As for energy security, our country, which has rich hydrocarbon resources and developed fuel and energy infrastructure, has great potential in this direction. “The Southern Gas Corridor project, implemented directly on the initiative of our country and with the political will of our head of state Mr. Ilham Aliyev, acts as an alternative and reliable project in Europe’s energy security.” also, the fact that the global transport corridors going from west to east and from north to south pass through here is one of the points that increases the importance of our country for the European Union. As for energy security, our country, which has rich hydrocarbon resources and developed fuel and energy infrastructure, has great potential in this direction. “The Southern Gas Corridor project, implemented directly on the initiative of our country and with the political will of our head of state Mr. Ilham Aliyev, acts as an alternative and reliable project in Europe’s energy security.” also, the fact that the global transport corridors going from west to east and from north to south pass through here is one of the points that increases the importance of our country for the European Union. As for energy security, our country, which has rich hydrocarbon resources and developed fuel and energy infrastructure, has great potential in this direction. “The Southern Gas Corridor project, implemented directly on the initiative of our country and with the political will of our head of state Mr. Ilham Aliyev, acts as an alternative and reliable project in Europe’s energy security.”
“A number of documents on energy issues were signed between the European Union and our country, including the Memorandum of Understanding on strategic partnership in the field of energy between Azerbaijan and the European Union in Brussels in 2006, and the Joint Declaration on the Southern Gas Corridor in Baku in 2011. The mentioned documents made significant contributions to the development of our relations in the field of energy. The Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Partnership in the field of energy between Azerbaijan and the European Union, signed by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen on July 18, will further strengthen strategic cooperation. This once again confirms that the EU intends to expand its relations with Azerbaijan and increase the volume of imported gas.