EU supports Azerbaijan's joining WTO

The European Union supports Azerbaijan's accession into the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the head of the EU Baku office Ambassador Roland Kobia told media on Wednesday.

"Azerbaijan has completed bilateral talks with Georgia," he said. "The relevant documents were signed. Georgia's accession to the WTO is a good example for Azerbaijan."

He said that following Azerbaijan's accession to the WTO, the European Union intends to propose signing an agreement on free economic space.

The Azerbaijani delegation prepares to hold the IX round of multilateral talks with the WTO working group and bilateral talks in Geneva on Feb.24. The U.S. and the EU have already agreed on holding bilateral talks.

The last meeting (VIII round of multilateral talks) was held in Geneva on Oct.18, 2010 and bilateral meetings on issues of trade and services were held with the U.S., the EU, Canada, Japan, Norway, Switzerland, Chinese province of Taiwan and the WTO other members on Oct.19-22, 2010.

During the next round of multilateral talks between Azerbaijan and the WTO new Factual Summary consolidated report by Azerbaijan's suggestions for member countries will be discussed. Earlier the Azerbaijani government presented its answers on question of the WTO members to the Secretariat and on this basis it prepared Factual Summary consolidated report. The document is a report on work carried out by Azerbaijan to become member of the WTO.

Azerbaijan has been represented in the WTO as observer since 1997 and started talks in 2004. At present Azerbaijan is holding bilateral talks with the U.S., Japan, Brazil, Ecuador, Sri-Lanka, the EU, Norway, India, South Korea, Chinese province of Taiwan, Canada and Switzerland.

Talks have been completed and protocols have been already signed with Turkey, Oman, the UAE, Georgia. Azerbaijan is currently at stage of signing protocol with Moldova which still examines the document while Kyrgyzstan has already agreed to sign it.


/Trend/