Rafiyev: EPC Summit 2028 in Azerbaijan to open new opportunities with EU

The decision to hold the 12th summit of the European Political Community in 2028 in Azerbaijan creates an additional opportunity for the further development of cooperation with the EU, stated Azerbaijan's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yalchin Rafiyev, at an event marking Europe Day, Report informs.

"Azerbaijan views its relations with the European Union precisely in this context. We regard cooperation with the EU as an important direction of our foreign policy and note with satisfaction that in recent years these relations have gained a new positive dynamic," he said.

Rafiyev noted the recent visit of European Council President António Costa to Baku and the joint statement adopted following the meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, emphasizing that the document confirmed mutual commitment to further strengthening cooperation.

He also pointed to regular contacts between Azerbaijan and the EU institutions, including high-level meetings, visits of European officials to the country, and dialogues in the areas of energy, transport, and security.

"Today, the partnership between Azerbaijan and the European Union is acquiring a strategic character. The EU is one of Azerbaijan's key political and economic partners. The EU is our largest trading partner, and our cooperation is no longer limited to traditional spheres," he noted.