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• Secretary Blinken’s Call with Azerbaijani President Aliyev

  OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON

  The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:

  Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. The Secretary and President Aliyev discussed Azerbaijan and Armenia’s historic opportunity to achieve peace in the region. The Secretary reiterated the United States’ offer of assistance in helping facilitate the opening of regional transportation and communication linkages. Secretary Blinken encouraged continued bilateral dialogue, such as the recent meeting between the Azerbaijani and Armenian Foreign Ministers in Tbilisi. The Secretary also reaffirmed support for productive EU-brokered discussions. He conveyed that the United States has been an OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair since 1994 and stands ready to engage bilaterally and with likeminded partners to help Armenia and Azerbaijan find a long-term comprehensive peace. Secretary Blinken also urged President Aliyev to release all remaining Armenian detainees.

  By U.S. Embassy Tbilisi 
• EU and Azerbaijan to double capacity of Southern Gas Corridor

  Yesterday in Baku, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a new Memorandum of Understanding on a Strategic Partnership in the Field of Energy.

  The agreement includes a commitment to double the capacity of the Southern Gas Corridor to deliver at least 20 billion cubic metres to the EU annually by 2027.

  “With this new Memorandum of Understanding, we are opening a new chapter in our energy cooperation with Azerbaijan, a key partner in our efforts to move away from Russian fossil fuels,” said Ursula von der Leyen. “Not only are we looking to strengthen our existing partnership which guarantees stable and reliable gas supplies to the EU via the Southern Gas Corridor. We are also laying the foundations of a long-term partnership on energy efficiency and clean energy, as we both pursue the objectives of the Paris Agreement.”

  According to the European Commission, the EU and Azerbaijan are also currently negotiating a new comprehensive agreement that would enhance cooperation in a wide range of areas. These include economic diversification, investment, trade and the full use of civil society potential, while stressing the importance of human rights and the rule of law.

  Following the visit in Baku today, the EU-Azerbaijan Cooperation Council will meet on 19 July in Brussels to review overall relations and discuss potential areas of mutual interest for cooperation in the future.

  Find out more

  Press release

• Charles Michel meets Azerbaijani President Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan

  On 22 May, European Council President Charles Michel hosted Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan, and Nikol Pashinyan, Prime Minister  of Armenia. 

  The third discussion in this format was focused on the situation in the South Caucasus and the development of EU relations with both countries, as well as the broader region.

  According to Charles Michel, the discussion was “frank and productive”. 

  The sides reached the following outcomes:

  Border issues

  The first joint meeting of the Border Commissions will take place on the inter-state border in the coming days. It will address all questions related to the delimitation of the border and how best to ensure a stable situation.

  Connectivity

  The leaders agreed on the need to start unblocking transport links and on principles governing transit between western Azerbaijan and Nakhichevan, between different parts of Armenia via Azerbaijan, as well as international transport via the communication infrastructures of both countries. In particular, they agreed on principles for border management, security, land charges as well as customs control in the context of international transport.

  Peace Agreement

  The leaders agreed to advance discussions on the future peace treaty governing inter-state relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Teams led by the Foreign Ministers will take forward this process in the coming weeks. 

  Socio-economic development

  The EU will take forward with both parties the work of the Economic Advisory Group, which seeks to advance economic development for the benefit of both countries.

  The next meeting in the same format is planned for July/August.

  Find out more

  Press release

• ​Alexander Khvtisiashvili took part in the event dedicated to the 99th anniversary of Heydar Aliyev

  On 10 May 2022, the Deputy Foreign Minister, Alexander Khvtisiashvili took part in an event dedicated to the 99th anniversary of the birth of the national leader of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev.
  Speaking about the friendly and partner relations between Georgia and Azerbaijan, the Deputy Foreign Minister (MFA) especially noted the significant contribution of the National Leader of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev, to strengthening and deepening relations between the two countries.
  "The Georgia-Azerbaijan relations are based on the centuries-old traditions and good neighbourhood. It is noteworthy that Heydar Aliyev played a great role in strengthening these relations, and his contribution is highly valued in Georgia, "- said Alexander Khvtisiashvili.
  In his speech, the Deputy Minister expressed the hope that the close cooperation between the two countries will become even more dynamic and will acquire a new dimension.
  On behalf of the Georgian government, Alexander Khvtisiashvili wished the Azerbaijani people peace, success and prosperity.

  MFA of Georgia 

• Armenia-Azerbaijan: leaders meet President Michel and agree to work towards peace treaty

  European Council President Charles Michel yesterday hosted the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, for a continuation of their discussions on the situation in the South Caucasus region and the development of EU relations with both countries.

  President Michel reiterated the EU’s commitment to deepen its cooperation with Armenia and Azerbaijan to work closely in overcoming tensions and promote a South Caucasus that is secure, stable, peaceful and prosperous for the benefit of all people living in the region.

  The leaders took stock of developments since their last meeting in Brussels in December 2021 and their videoconference, together with President Macron, in February 2022. They reviewed progress on the implementation of undertaken commitments and discussed recent tensions.

  President Michel emphasised the importance of humanitarian gestures by both sides to promote confidence and peaceful coexistence. He stressed the need for the full and speedy resolution of all outstanding humanitarian issues, including the release of remaining detainees and comprehensively addressing the issue of missing persons, and stated that the EU is ready to support this endeavour. The EU will likewise continue to support confidence building measures between Azerbaijan and Armenia as well as humanitarian de-mining efforts, including by continuing to provide expert advice and stepping up financial assistance, and assistance to conflict-affected populations, rehabilitation and reconstruction.

  President Michel noted both President Aliyev’s and Prime Minister Pashinyan’s stated desire to move rapidly towards a peace agreement between their countries. To this end, it was agreed to instruct Ministers of Foreign Affairs to work on the preparation of a future peace treaty, which would address all necessary issues.

  The delimitation and demarcation of their bilateral border will be essential; to this end, it was also agreed to convene a Joint Border Commission by the end of April, with a mandate to: 

  1. delimit the bilateral border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and
  2. ensure a stable security situation along, and in the vicinity of, the borderline.

  The leaders also discussed the restoration of communications/connectivity infrastructure between Armenia and Azerbaijan in particular and in the South Caucasus more broadly. President Michel welcomed the steps towards the restoration of railway lines, while encouraging Armenia and Azerbaijan to also find effective solutions for the restoration of road links. The EU is ready to support the development of connectivity links, including in line with its Economic and Investment Plan and by utilising the proposed economic advisory forum to identify common projects.

  The leaders agreed to follow-up on outcomes of their meeting and to stay engaged.

  Source: https://euneighbourseast.eu/news-and-stories/latest-news/armenia-azerbaijan-leaders-meet-president-michel-and-agree-to-work-towards-peace-treaty/