BAKU. Dec 28 (Interfax) - Baku is interested in finalizing negotiations with the EU on a strategic partnership agreement, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said.
"Our goal is to reach an agreement on the rest of the document. Most of the document has been agreed upon, certain questions concerning trade and economic relations remain open," Bayramov said at a press conference dedicated to the 2023 outcomes on Thursday.
Baku's stance in relations with the EU, including in the Eastern Partnership format, has always been consistent, he said.
"Our plans, ambitions and expectations have always been aimed at development on a mutual and equal basis. We have never set the goal of concluding an agreement by all means, at all costs. That is why the talks with the EU will continue until this is entirely in keeping with Azerbaijan's interests. Azerbaijan has some legitimate expectations," Bayramov said.
The prospective agreement on strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and the EU comprises four blocks. To date, some aspects concerning its trade and economic part remain open. Baku earlier said that 90% of the agreement's provisions were agreed on.
On November 14, 2016, the EU Council approved the provision of a mandate to conduct talks on a new agreement with Azerbaijan to the European Commission and the EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy. The document must replace the EU-Azerbaijan Partnership and Cooperation Agreement of 1996.
Negotiations on the new agreement started on February 7, 2017.