The strength of EU–Azerbaijani relations highlighted by TEAS in Brussels

Baku, June 20 (AzerTAc). Azerbaijan’s relevance to Europe is currently on an upward trajectory. The country is a member and partner to numerous pan-European institutions and has also recently taken over the chair of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. Recognising that this is a pivotal time, The European Azerbaijan Society (TEAS) organised a landmark information seminar on 19 June at its office, located in the diplomatic sector of Brussels. The purpose of this was to make talented Azerbaijani students and young professionals working in the European Parliament aware of the current excellent state of relations between the EU and Azerbaijan. Fuad Isgandarov, Azerbaijani Ambassador to the EU said: “The $45bn project to bring Azerbaijani gas to Europe has made the country more relevant than ever before, and the recent visit of European Commission President Barroso to Baku signals the importance of Azerbaijan on the EU. The Association Agreement between the EU and Azerbaijan is currently entering its final stages, and many joint projects are taking place. “Azerbaijan is also currently signing visa agreements that will make it very much easier for Azerbaijani students to study in the EU, amongst other benefits. Relations between Azerbaijan and the EU have a very practical basis, and the reason you are here is because we are creating a new generation that brings experience from European institutions and has the benefits of European education.” Arif Mammadov, Ambassador of the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC) to the EU said: “We are an important partner to the EU in the energy sector. It is wonderful that there are now Azerbaijani students undertaking internships in European institutions. The Southern Corridor is making Azerbaijan relevant to Europe. The young people gaining experience in EU institutions are thinking in European terms, and speaking European languages. Azerbaijan has a big vision, and they are part of that.” Counsellor Huseyn Huseynov, Deputy Head of the Azerbaijani Mission to NATO, commented: “Azerbaijani–NATO relations are at a high level, and all 28 member nations regard Azerbaijan as a reliable and capable committed partner. NATO recently said that it is supportive of the peaceful resolution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and respects Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. This is the first time that a Euro-Atlantic organisation has expressed its support, and I am pleased to report that the majority of NATO members are also EU members.” Dr Roman Huna, Head, TEAS Brussels, remarked: “The objective of today’s event is to show you TEAS and make you aware of our work in the EU. It is important for you to understand how the relations between Azerbaijan and the EU are developing and to know of the agreements that have been signed. “TEAS’ doors are always open to support all Azerbaijanis undertaking internships or working in Brussels. All Azerbaijanis should be proud of the direction chosen by their country regarding its relationship with the EU. Azerbaijan has made the correct decision to become a partner to the EU. I urge you to be proud and work hard in promoting these values.”