Nov 7, 2006, 14:06 GMT
Brussels - The European Union and Azerbaijan agreed Tuesday to establish a parternship to strengthen EU energy security and giving Azerbaijan more access to the bloc's energy market.
'Close relations with Azerbaijan as a key energy supplier as well as an important transit country to the EU contribute to enhancing our energy security,' said EU energy commissioner Andris Piebalgs.
The agreement was signed by EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev.
'This is the start for a new era in our relationship,' Aliyev told reporters after the meeting.
By strengthening ties with the EU, Azerbaijan was not only seeking to strengthen its economical development but also to build a democratic society, Aliyev said.
'We are sharing the same convictions and principles,' he added.
In 2004, Azerbaijan and the EU agreed on building a closer relationship focusing on economic ties and political co-operation.
The new energy deal includes a gradual harmonization of Azerbaijani legislation with EU rules in the energy field. It also aims at making energy supplies and transit systems from Azerbaijan and the Caspian basin to the EU more safe and secure.
In addition, Azerbaijan and the EU agreed to develop a common energy demand policy and exchange energy expertise.
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