Jeyhun Bayramov: Arming one partner against another is incompatible with goals of Eastern Partnership

Baku/12.12.23/Turan: Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov addressed the meeting of Eastern Partnership Foreign Ministers in Brussels on 11 December.

He spoke about the goals of developing a regional transport, energy and digital network in line with the EU-Central Asia Strategy and the potential of the Southern Gas and Midland Corridors.

Touching upon the normalisation of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Bayramov said that the mutual recognition and respect for each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity is the only way to sustainable peace, stability and prosperity in the South Caucasus.

"Despite Azerbaijan's expression of its legitimate concerns, a number of EU members continue inflammatory rhetoric and unilateral actions. The EU observer mission to Armenia has not achieved its stated objectives of building confidence between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Instead, it is widely used as a propaganda tool against Azerbaijan as a "neutral mediator".

Initiatives to arm Armenia, including through the EU, undermine trust and efforts to normalise relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan as a whole. Arming one partner against another or is not compatible with the goals of the Eastern Partnership," Bayramov said.

He called on all interested parties not to harm the normalisation of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Earlier, European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Joseph Borrell said at a press conference before the meeting of EU Foreign Ministers that the situation in Armenia requires the EU's firm support.

"It is important to continue to pay attention to the situation in the Eastern Partnership countries. Especially in Armenia, which is in a very difficult situation ... The situation in Armenia requires our strong support," Borrel said.

He said that on 11 December the EU Foreign Ministers decided to increase the number of the EU civilian mission in Armenia by 50% - from 138 to 209 people.

"Today, the EU Council decided to strengthen our civilian mission in Armenia, expanding our presence on the ground from 138 to 209 people, which is an important way to enhance stability on Armenia's international border with Azerbaijan," Borrel said. -03-