Eastern European experts comment on results of relations with Azerbaijan in past year

Several experts from Eastern European countries have commented on the developments of the relations between their countries and Azerbaijan in 2021.

Jan Lisnevsky, a well-known Moldovan expert and head of the Intellect Group sociological center, told Report's Eastern Europe bureau that 2021 was a difficult political year for Moldova, with most politicians dealing with internal conflicts, attempts to form a government, and early parliamentary elections. Nevertheless, international relations have not been off the agenda.

“Economic and cultural relations between Azerbaijan and Moldova, formed during the Soviet era, continue to develop. Azerbaijan remains one of the main exporters for Moldova, with about 200 Azerbaijani companies registered in Moldova. In addition to trying to prevent human casualties, relations between the two countries are close in terms of their desire to resolve territorial disputes in their territories. Cultural exchange between the two countries continues to develop. A bas-relief dedicated to Azerbaijan's victory in the 2020 Patriotic War was unveiled in a park near the embassy in Moldova on November 8, 2021."

According to him, the two countries continue to cooperate in the field of scientific research.

“In my opinion, this may not be as interesting as geopolitics or as profitable as economic relations, but it is the most important for the future generation and the capabilities of both countries. In addition to official activities, the activities of the Congress of Moldovan Azerbaijanis, distinguished by sports, cultural and charitable actions, can also be noted.

In remarks for Report's Eastern Europe bureau, Slovak expert Vladislav Antipin drew attention to the dynamics of development of relations between the European Union and Azerbaijan over the past year.

"I would like to emphasize this. The Eastern Partnership Summit held in Brussels on December 15 laid a good foundation for development and positive trends. An informal meeting between the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia was held at the initiative of the French president. As for economic issues, I can say that European business circles are trying to cooperate with Azerbaijani companies. I think that 2021 was a very successful year for Azerbaijan."

Liudmyla Buimister, a member of the Verkhovna Rada (parliament) of Ukraine, told Report's Eastern Europe bureau that after the signing of very important documents with Azerbaijan in 2019 in a number of areas, they witnessed the strengthening of this cooperation in the coming years, especially in 2021.

“At the meeting between Presidents Volodymyr Zelensky and Ilham Aliyev in Brussels, it was agreed that the Azerbaijani leader will pay an official visit to Ukraine. Another small achievement is the launch of low-cost Ukrainian airlines to Azerbaijan.

“All this contributes to the strengthening of relations between the two countries. I hope that economic cooperation will be developed next year. Both countries have experiences to share. This also includes the energy sector. Numerous power plants have been built in Ukraine. In addition, it is possible to cooperate in the transport sector. Logistics lines can be created to connect Azerbaijan, Ukraine and Turkey to Europe. Low-budget flights were launched between Ganja and Odessa in December. We continue to implement the signed bilateral agreements. We would like to see more joint projects, more communication, more events by the Azerbaijani Diaspora in Ukraine in the field of territorial integrity, because there is a great need for exchange of experience in this area.”

Estonian Riigikogu (parliament) MP Mihhail Korb told Report's Eastern Europe bureau that Azerbaijan's relations with his country in the context of the European Union were satisfactory last year.

"In particular, the meeting of President Ilham Aliyev in Brussels is a productive indicator of the past year in relations with Azerbaijan."

He also noted his visit to Azerbaijan: “We visited Azerbaijan last year. We got acquainted with the post-war situation. The end of the conflict is commendable, and lasting peace in the region would be a major stimulus to global relations.”

He also noted his visit to Azerbaijan: “We visited Azerbaijan last year. We got acquainted with the post-war situation. The end of the conflict is commendable, and lasting peace in the region would be a major stimulus to global relations.”