Press remarks by President António Costa following the meeting with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev 14:30 European Council President António Costa addressed the press[...]

Good afternoon,

It is a pleasure to be here with you in Baku.

Thank you President Aliyev for your invitation and your gracious welcome - in particular, in the challenging context of the rapidly evolving geopolitical situation in the region. And I would like to express the EU's full solidarity with the people of Azerbaijan. And please, let me extend my sincere appreciation for the assistance that Azerbaijan has provided to European citizens to facilitate their safe repatriation from Iran.

The Republic of Azerbaijan is a key partner for the European Union. Over the past year, we have revitalised our relationship. And today's meeting is a clear sign of our shared commitment to further cooperation, especially in the areas of security, energy, digital and transport. And to make full use of the existing dialogue mechanisms, including on security and human rights.

We are now working on a new framework for a closer cooperation between the EU and Azerbaijan. This sends a strong signal of our joint vision for the future. We are also exploring ways to deepen our cooperation in defence and security.

Energy security is a cornerstone of our bilateral cooperation. Four years ago today, in Versailles, the European Council made the decision to diversify our supply sources for gas, oil, and coal. And Azerbaijan has been central to this effort - thanks to the Southern Gas Corridor. And today, the impact is clear.

With the war in Iran shaking global energy markets, our energy partnership is more important than ever. The EU stands ready to mobilise private investment and financing to support Azerbaijan's energy transition. We also encourage greater involvement of European clean-tech companies in your ambitious plans.

Connectivity is another crucial area of our cooperation. The development of the Middle Corridor represents a strategic opportunity for new transport connections. Completing the Baku-Nakhichevan rail link would be essential in that regard. By enhancing trade resilience between Europe and Asia, we can create jobs, drive growth, and strengthen our economies together.

The European Union shares Azerbaijan's objective for a peaceful, stable, interconnected and prosperous South Caucasus. The progress made in the peace process with Armenia is historic. The Washington Agreements reflect your commitment to dialogue and reconciliation, and the EU stands with you in supporting their full implementation.

We know that true peace is built not only on political agreements, on paper as you said, but on the daily lives of people-on economic ties, trade, and shared prosperity. Strengthening economic interdependence is the surest path to long-term stability. The EU is ready to help unlock these opportunities, for the benefit of all.

Azerbaijan's regional role is more important than ever. I want to recognise the challenges you face, in view of the dangerous military escalation in Iran and the Middle East that has also reached you. Let me express once again, in the name of the European Union, my full solidarity with Azerbaijan and its people. We condemn in the strongest terms the recent attack by Iran on Nakhchivan airport.

It is essential to safeguard regional security and stability, in full respect of the principles of the UN Charter and international law. The EU remains committed to working with all partners, through dialogue and diplomacy, to de-escalate tensions and protect civilians. Further escalation threatens not only the Middle East but also Europe and the wider world.

Because this is only the latest development in a worrying trend of violent action in contradiction of international law. Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine is now in its fifth year and it remains an existential threat to Europe and a destabilising force globally.

Against this backdrop of global instability, it is more important than ever to strengthen the ties between us. We look forward to Azerbaijan hosting in 2028 the summit of the European Political Community.

In closing, let me reiterate. The EU is committed to working with Azerbaijan to turn today's challenges into tomorrow's opportunities. Your leadership is essential, and our partnership is strong. Together we can expand it even further for the benefit of both our peoples.

I thank you for your warm hospitality and I look forward to hosting you in Brussels.

Thank you.