ArmInfo.The EU supports the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. The head of the European Council, Donald Tusk, said this at a joint statement with the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to the press in Baku.
According to a report published on the official website of the structure, speaking about stability in the region, Tusk stated that he had discussed the unresolved Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with the Azerbaijani leader. "There is no military solution, and there is only a political settlement in accordance with international law and principles. The EU continues to fully support the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs and their orientation towards a fair and lasting settlement based on the basic principles of the Helsinki Final Act," the European Council head said.
According to him, in Brussels also appreciate the overall reduction of tension. <But, like the co-chairs, we are concerned about recent casualties on the contact line. Restraint is important, as are measures to restore an atmosphere conducive to peace and an atmosphere conducive to productive negotiations. The EU is already supporting peacebuilding activities and is ready to promote concrete measures to prepare the population for peace, "added Tusk.
He also informed that at the meeting with the President of Azerbaijan he pointed out the importance that the EU attaches to respect for the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms. "The EU believes that truly open society is the best guarantee of long-term stability and a good life for all citizens," said Tusk. Meanwhile, according to the results of the talks, Aliyev said that the topic of today's talks with Tusk was the issues of expanding cooperation between the EU and Azerbaijan, the future partnership agreement and the Karabakh conflict. Among economic issues, he highlighted the implementation of energy and transport projects aimed at the energy security of Europe, as well as the creation of East-West and North-South transport corridors. "Azerbaijan is ready to implement all these projects and invites Europe to invest in them," said Aliyev.
At the same time, he stressed that the unresolved Karabakh conflict seriously affects the development of the entire region of the South Caucasus, and international structures should intensify efforts to resolve it, taking into account the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.