"EU-Azerbaijan cooperation to make both sides stronger"

Today, Azerbaijan and EU must work together to deal with challenges that we all face, President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso made a speech before students of the Baku State University.

"Interdependent economies, environmental disasters that refuse to respect borders, terrorist groups that use the internet to recruit members - these are just a few examples that are as relevant in Spain or Germany as here in Azerbaijan," he said.

Working together with the EU on these challenges will make both the EU and Azerbaijan stronger.

"By deepening the links between EU institutions, the Member States and Azerbaijan, we are encouraging a transformational effect that will have a political impact on both sides. Real and tangible progress will boost confidence and encourage bolder political and economic reforms," he said.

Democracy, rule of law, freedom of speech are important values that are deeply enshrined in the concept of the European Union. They are part of the answer for achieving stability and prosperity, he said.

"The European Union is a partner you can count on in this endeavour," he said.

"European history, of which Azerbaijan is a part, shows that when we are confident and determined, all challenges can be overcome. Confidence and determination are the key words to take our partnership forward. For as the great Azeri poet and philosopher Nizami Ganjavi has said: "In the hour of adversity be not without hope; for crystal rain falls from black clouds," he said.

The Delegation of the European Commission, headed by its president Jose Manuel Barroso arrived in Baku on January 13. This is the first visit of the head of the European Commission to Azerbaijan for the period of his stay in the post. Barroso is accompanied by EU Energy Commissioner Guenther Oettinger.


/Trend/