The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, stressed the importance of respect for human rights in Azerbaijan on Wednesday 20 July.
“Respect for human rights and the rule of law are at the heart of our relationship (...). Decisive progress is needed to create a conducive environment for an active civil society and to ensure respect for human rights in line with international standards and Azerbaijan’s commitments”, Borrell stressed at the end of the EU-Azerbaijan Association Council. Among other things, he drew attention to the new media law.
The two sides also discussed regional issues and neighbourhood relations, in particular with Armenia. According to a Council statement, the EU stressed the importance of preparing people for long-term sustainable peace through positive and constructive public discourse.
“The EU is ready to support these efforts and is actively trying to help overcome differences and find solutions”, Mr Borrell underlined. The President of the European Council has already hosted several meetings with the Azerbaijani and Armenian leaders. The EU also highlighted its support for addressing the consequences of the conflict, including assistance with mine clearance.
The High Representative also recalled that Azerbaijan is an important partner for the EU and that cooperation is increasing, welcoming the signing the previous day of the Memorandum of Understanding on a strategic partnership in the field of energy (see EUROPE 12995/15). Beyond this agreement, both sides underlined their willingness to conclude a new comprehensive agreement and the EU stressed the need for an agreement on a common airspace. Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov also said that the two sides had explored ways to deepen economic cooperation, recalling that the EU was his country’s largest trading partner and investor. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)