Hikmat Hajiyev says Azerbaijan has major potential to expand cooperation with EU

Azerbaijan has significant potential to further expand cooperation with the European Union and its member states, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration Hikmat Hajiyev said in an interview with EUREFLECT during the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum, Report informs.

According to him, Azerbaijan's main message is that the country is a place of peace, coexistence, cooperation, partnership and friendship.

"We are glad to see all our European friends. Friendly and partnership relations have developed between Azerbaijan and the EU, as well as its individual member states. At the same time, bilateral relations with many EU countries have already been elevated to the level of strategic partnership," Hajiyev said.

He also noted Azerbaijan's important role in ensuring Europe's energy security. According to him, the country is a strategic supplier of energy resources to the EU and one of its main economic partners.

"About 70% of Azerbaijan's trade is with EU countries. We believe there are broad opportunities to further strengthen cooperation between the European Union, its member states and Azerbaijan in the future," the presidential aide said.

During the interview, Hajiyev also spoke about the restoration of Shusha, which he described as the cradle of Azerbaijan's and its people's culture.

According to him, Shusha was almost completely destroyed during nearly 30 years of occupation. Today, however, the city is experiencing revival and gaining new life.

"Similar processes are taking place throughout Karabakh and East Zangazur," Hajiyev said.