Economic cooperation was one of the main topics of the talks on Wednesday. The ministers discussed growth in trade and the need to boost transport and energy cooperation. "In economic relations, we see a growing interest from Azerbaijani partners in Polish products, particularly machines and appliances. We also note the significant demand for Polish medicines and cosmetics. The exports of Polish cheeses, dairy and baked products are also on the rise," stressed the chief of Polish diplomacy.

The politicians also discussed the need to promote cooperation in the framework of the so-called transport corridors: the Trans-Caspian Route (China-Kazakhstan-Caucasus-Ukraine-Poland) and the South-West Route (Iran-Caucasus-Ukraine-Poland). These corridors are an important part of the EU's connectivity policy to support the strengthening of multidimensional cooperation, also among the Eastern Partnership countries.

Topics focused on international security and the importance of the fundamental principle of territorial integrity, including the reinvigoration of peace negotiations over the conflict around Nagorno-Karabakh. "I emphasised Poland's firm position of respecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan within its internationally recognised borders. We support the continuation of peace negotiations on the conflict around Nagorno-Karabakh, under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group," said Minister Czaputowicz.

 The chief of Polish diplomacy also expressed his hope that the negotiations on the new framework agreement on cooperation between the European Union and Azerbaijan would soon be concluded. "Poland appreciates Baku's efforts leading to the substantial activation of the negotiating process over a new framework cooperation agreement with the EU. We welcome the ambitious and possible aim of completing this process, estimated at May this year, ahead of the Eastern Partnership's 10th anniversary," said the chief of Polish diplomacy.

The ministers also raised the forthcoming official visit of the Polish president to Baku, which will take place in late May - early June. "The intensive, high-level political dialogue also helps to ensure the best possible preparation for the coming visit of President Duda to Azerbaijan, and we expect a lot from this visit," said Minister Czaputowicz.

Prior to the meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the ministers unveiled a plaque at the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Warsaw commemorating the 100th anniversary of Poland's recognition of the independence of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.

 

MFA Press Office

 

Photo : Gabriel Piętka / MFA