EU and Azerbaijan hold productive talks on new strategic partnership agreement — Marijana Kujundzic

The European Union and Azerbaijan held a productive round of negotiations this week on a new strategic partnership agreement, according to the EU Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Marijana Kujundzic, cited by Report's correspondent from Ganja.

The diplomat made the remarks during a meeting with the head of the Executive Authority of Ganja city, Niyazi Bayramov.

"We had a very productive round of negotiations this week between the EU and Azerbaijan on a future bilateral agreement on strategic partnership. It is very symbolic that this successful stage of negotiations concludes in your city," she said.

Kujundzic noted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of EU–Azerbaijan partnership. She recalled that the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement signed in 1996 remains the legal foundation of bilateral relations, covering political dialogue, trade, and economic cooperation.

The ambassador also highlighted the EU's position as Azerbaijan's largest trading partner and investor, stating that the EU intends to further strengthen cooperation with the country.

She also referred to ongoing EU-supported development projects in Ganja.

"In 2022, the city joined the Global Covenant of Mayors and became the first pilot city in Azerbaijan under the EBRD Green Cities program," she said.

According to Kujundzic, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has allocated a €35 million loan for modernization of water supply and wastewater systems in Ganja. Additionally, under the Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership, more than €7 million has been provided for energy efficiency projects.

She added that more than 80% of the city's street lighting infrastructure is set to be upgraded.