European Union officials visit Republic of Nakhchivan in Azerbaijan

Officials from the European Union Delegation in Azerbaijan and the EU Presidency, Ambassadors and representatives of ten EU member states paid a visit to the Autonomous Republic of Nakhchivan at the end of last month, European Neighbourhood Policy (ENPI) Info Center reported Wednesday.

Representatives discussed areas of future cooperation between Azerbaijan and the EU in the context of Eastern Partnership and EU contribution to a better mutual understanding and sustainable development of the region.

"The visit demonstrates the EU's willingness to engage with all regions of Azerbaijan on an equal footing," said Ambassador Roland Kobia, on behalf of EU Presidency. “We believe that a stronger partnership between Nakhchivan and the EU has a lot to offer at many levels. We received a clear message from local authorities as well as civil society organisations calling for more EU engagement in the region.”

Over the 24-hour visit, the EU Ambassadors assessed the specificities of the region and notably the adverse effects of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Ambassadors welcomed and encouraged the development of OSCE projects in Nakhchivan, and identified economic development, education and science as possible areas of future joint collaboration.

During the visit, the EU Ambassadors met with the Chairman of Supreme Assembly of the Autonomous Republic of Nakhchivan, Ministers of Internal Affairs, Justice, Economic Development, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ombudsman as well as non-governmental NGOs and political parties of different horizons.

Topics covered political issues and cooperation in the areas of gender, youth, environment, human rights and democratisation highlighted topical issues where EU involvement could be forthcoming.


/Trend/