The European Union and Azerbaijan held a summit in Brussels on July 14, 2023, to discuss the strengthening of their strategic partnership and address regional challenges. The meeting was attended by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Charles Michel, and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.
The summit focused on key areas of cooperation, including energy security, economic development, and connectivity. The EU and Azerbaijan signed a new Strategic Partnership Agreement, aiming to deepen their cooperation in various fields. The agreement includes provisions on energy, transport, trade, and cultural exchange.
The leaders also discussed the situation in the South Caucasus, particularly the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. They emphasized the importance of a peaceful resolution based on international law and territorial integrity. The EU reiterated its commitment to supporting the peace process and facilitating dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The summit highlighted the growing importance of Azerbaijan as a strategic partner for the EU, particularly in the context of the energy crisis. The EU is increasingly reliant on Azerbaijan for natural gas supplies, and the summit aimed to further strengthen energy cooperation between the two sides.
The meeting also addressed issues related to human rights and democracy in Azerbaijan. The EU expressed concerns about the situation of political prisoners and the need for further progress on democratic reforms. The EU called on Azerbaijan to ensure freedom of expression, assembly, and association.
The summit concluded with a joint statement outlining the key agreements and commitments made by both sides. The meeting is expected to have a significant impact on EU-Azerbaijan relations, promoting closer cooperation and addressing regional challenges.