Jeyhun Bayramov, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister, met with Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission.
The one-on-one and expanded meetings featured discussions on the current state of the cooperation agenda between Azerbaijan and the EU, prospects for development, and opportunities for collaboration across various domains, including energy security, transport, and communications. The sides also addressed climate change, regional security, and the normalization process between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Deliberating on measures to enhance cooperation between Azerbaijan and the EU, including high-level visits and mutually beneficial initiatives, the parties emphasized the importance of continuing negotiations on the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, taking into account the current realities.
Jeyhun Bayramov stated that Azerbaijan has always advocated for the establishment of equal relations with EU countries, where each other’s legitimate interests, priority issues, and existing realities are acknowledged and respected.
The Minister also provided an update on the post-conflict situation in the region, including ongoing reconstruction efforts in the liberated territories, demining operations, and the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs). Bayramov shared details on the current stage of peace negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, highlighting the challenges in the process. He specifically noted the presence of territorial claims against Azerbaijan in Armenia’s Constitution and stressed the need for the dissolution of institutions such as the Minsk Group, which he said had lost relevance.
Outlining Azerbaijan’s role in Europe’s energy security, Bayramov emphasized the importance of Azerbaijan’s Presidency of COP29 in achieving historic agreements that could become significant milestones in addressing climate change, particularly in terms of increasing financial targets and expanding cooperation in green energy.
The meeting also included discussions on other agenda items and issues of mutual interest.
Following the meetings, the sides held a joint press conference and issued statements.
