Peter Semneby: "EU/Azerbaijan relations change into integration phase"

He said that he met with governmental officials, NGO representatives and right defenders, adding European New Neighborhood Policy, human rights and freedom of speech were discussed at meetings.

"It is my second visit to Baku. For the first time, I came to Baku in the trio. Already, the relations between Azerbaijan and the EU changes into integration phase from cooperation phase," he said.

He expressed his satisfaction with the settlement of dispute on ANS channel, APA reports.

He said that discussion of media freedom and other issues reflected in the European New Neighborhood Policy will continue in the future as well.

"We attach great importance to the media freedom," he said.

Mr. Semneby stated that the EU office is expected to be opened in Azerbaijan next year.

"The settlement of some issues will become easer and annual reports on the situation in the country will be made," he said.

He said that they will have a dialogue with not only with the governmental officials but also the civil society representatives.

He underlined that the EU/Azerbaijan cooperation in energy security will continue irrespective of the EU/Turkey relations.