Finnish MFA supports normalization process of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia

The Finnish MFA supports the normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, said Nina Vaskunlahti, Under-Secretary of State for external economic relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland, in a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, Report informs.

The parties discussed various aspects of the bilateral cooperation agenda between the two countries, multilateral cooperation, Azerbaijan-European Union cooperation directions, and the regional situation.

During the meeting, views were exchanged on strengthening the cooperation in political, economic, humanitarian, educational, high technologies, investment, and cultural fields.

In addition, regional energy and transport projects implemented with the initiative and participation of Azerbaijan, as well as cooperation within the framework of international organizations, were discussed.

Minister Jeyhun Bayramov reported on the latest situation in Azerbaijan's liberated territories as a result of the 44-day Patriotic War, as well as the mine threat and the current state of the normalization process of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. He pointed out that despite Armenia's aggressive and expansionist policy, Azerbaijan took the initiative to sign a peace treaty with Armenia based on the principles of international law.

The minister spoke about the vital role of Azerbaijan in the economic field, especially in the diversification of energy resources. In this regard, he emphasized the importance of signing the Memorandum of Understanding, which envisages doubling gas transportation to the EU, and the expansion of cooperation in developing alternative energy sources. The minister pointed out that the current trade turnover between Azerbaijan and the EU is satisfactory and that there are opportunities to further increase the turnover.

Under-Secretary of State Nina Vaskunlahti emphasized the great potential for further expansion of relations between Azerbaijan and Finland in various fields. In particular, she noted the directions of cooperation in economy and environmental protection, education, and high technologies, as well as the projects implemented in Azerbaijan with the participation of Finland.