Farid Shafiyev: “In my opinion, format of Eastern Partnership will change”

Farid Shafiyev, Chairman of the Board of the International Relations Analysis Center

© APA | Farid Shafiyev, Chairman of the Board of the International Relations Analysis Center

# 17 November 2021 14:23 (UTC +04:00)

“In my opinion, the format of Eastern Partnership will change. There will be restructuration. It is true, this program still remains formal. However, participant countries in this program differ with their ambitions,” said Farid Shafiyev, Chairman of the Board of the International Relations Analysis Center in his interview with APA.

According to him, some countries which are participants of the Eastern Partnership program want to be a member of the EU, do not want to attend this format anymore, and state that they are in favor of continuing in another format: Azerbaijan’s position is that it wants to cooperate with the EU, however, Azerbaijan does not have a target about membership.”

F. Shafiev noted that he does not consider the current format of the Eastern Partnership effective: “I think that the format should change. Maybe the work should be done in a different format. But in general, the EU is important to us, it is not a question of whether we should be EU members or not. I would compare this to one example. For example, Azerbaijan has already openly stated that it is building an army according to NATO standards, and Turkey is helping in this matter. But this does not mean that we want to become a NATO member. No, we just want to create an effective army, and now the NATO model suits us. For example, we also have adopted certain legislation in connection with the environment, which cars can be imported into the country, according to the Euro-4 standard, etc. These are high standards. If we apply them both in public administration and in the economy, it will benefit us, there is no question of the EU here. If there are any other high standards outside the EU, then we should strive to accept them. In this regard, I consider it important to cooperate with the EU. The main problem in the economy of Azerbaijan is the problem of competition. In Azerbaijan, although unofficially, monopolies still exist. Because of all this, we must continue this cooperation, seek the signing of a new treaty. Europe is a very important partner for us, at the same time Azerbaijan is important for Europe, especially in the issue of energy security. I believe that in order to have a competitive economy, to achieve the development of the non-oil sector, it is important to master the EU experience not only in the economy but also in public administration."

It should be noted that next month in Brussels a summit of the leaders of the countries participating in the EU Eastern Partnership program will take place. Azerbaijan is also expected to take part in the summit.

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