ArmInfo.The Azerbaijani side also reiterated its interest in exploring possible cooperation with
the EU under the European Peace Facility (EPF). This was stated in a statement by the European External Action Service following the 5th meeting of the EU-Azerbaijan Security Dialogue.
As the source reports: "The fifth meeting of the EU-Azerbaijan
Security Dialogue was held on 13 June in Brussels. The participants
had an open and frank exchange on the state of the bilateral
relations between the EU and Azerbaijan, as well as on topical
foreign and security policy issues of mutual interest.
The participants also touched upon the process of normalisation of
relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as broader regional
security issues. In this context, the importance of fostering
regional stability and sustainable connectivity were mentioned.
Azerbaijan underlined the bilateral nature of dialogue between
Armenia and Azerbaijan. The EU stressed its continued support for the
peace process, with a view to a secure, stable, peaceful and
prosperous South Caucasus for the benefit of all people living in the
region.
The role of Azerbaijan as a reliable and important energy partner and
its importance in the further development of the Middle Corridor was
highlighted. The EU's support for humanitarian demining and mine
victim assistance in Azerbaijan was appreciated. It was stated that
under the EU Team Europe Initiative and other programs, further
assistance to Azerbaijan's mine action program will continue. The
Azerbaijani side also reiterated its interest in exploring possible
cooperation with the EU under the European Peace Facility (EPF).
In conclusion of the meeting, the EU and Azerbaijan agreed to
continue regular exchanges on foreign and security policy issues.
They also underlined the importance of meaningful work on all
relevant strands of bilateral cooperation under the EU-Azerbaijan
Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. The meeting was co-chaired by
Mr. Enrique Mora, Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs at
the European External Action Service, and Mr. Hikmet Hajiyev,
Foreign Policy Advisor to the President of the Republic of
Azerbaijan."
Notably, Hungary, with which Armenia last year restored diplomatic
relations that were severed on August 31, 2012, had previously
blocked aid to Yerevan through the European Peace Facility (EPF).
Hungary insisted that if Armenia receives this aid, it should also be
provided to Azerbaijan.
The European Peace Facility was established in March 2021 to finance
all Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) actions in the areas of
military and defence, with the aim of preventing conflict, preserving
peace and strengthening international security and stability.
In particular, the European Peace Facility allows the EU to finance
actions designed to strengthen the capacities of non-EU countries and
regional and international organisations relating to military and
defence matters. The EPF is an extra-budgetary instrument. Its total
budget is EUR7.9 billion for the period 2021-2027.
