In fact, the visit was to take place during the first European Games, the PA official said, adding “as the EU member states held a meeting on the critical situation in Greece on June 21-22, he apologized to us and put off a visit to Azerbaijan”.

Mammadov said in early 2015 there was a difference in positions of Azerbaijan and the West on a number of issues.

Since gaining its independence, Azerbaijan has become one of the countries that closely and successfully cooperate with European countries in strategic areas, Mammadov noted.

Energy projects implemented by Azerbaijan contributed to the regional stability and Europe’s energy security, the PA official said, adding that Azerbaijan together with the EU is effectively fighting against terrorism, and its history dates back to the first years of its independence. “In addition, Azerbaijan cooperates with European structures in ensuring peace in different parts of the world.”

Mammadov said Azerbaijan has also close cooperation with the EU in political and cultural spheres.

“But from the beginning of this year we have made open, sincere and strong claims against European structures. We say that if we cooperate in strategic areas that we are waiting for you appropriate assessment. Unfortunately, despite the fact that we have been waiting a long time, we do not see this relationship. In addition, when the European institutions are slightly criticized, opposition activities and NGOs say “the world collapsed”. I have no words, even if they are financed by their owners, but do not forget that they are citizens of Azerbaijan. So far, they have never required the European institutions to demonstrate a fair position on the Karabakh conflict and they kept silence over the violation of the rights of Azerbaijani refugees and IDPs,” he noted.

With regard to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict Azerbaijan expects a fair position from the West and European structures, Mammadov said. “During the Vilnius summit Azerbaijan refused to join the Association Agreement. And they began to criticize us. However, none of these critics said that the Association Agreement does not point out the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. None of opposition activists and these NGOs told about it. President Ilham Aliyev has taken and will take steps in line with the interests of Azerbaijan. Perhaps, for a time, the West neglected Azerbaijan’s statement and positions, thinking that they will direct Azerbaijan as they wish. However, the president demonstrated a concrete position regarding the West in the latest meeting. They realized that they couldn’t demonstrate a different attitude toward Azerbaijan like other countries.”

According to Mammadov, Donald Tusk admitted that Azerbaijan is a reliable partner for Europe.

“Moreover, following the meeting with President Ilham Aliyev, Donald Tusk said that the EU supports the independence and sovereignty of Azerbaijan. We got this assessment after a long way. We continue to take such steps for our national interest, security and stability. I reiterate that independence is hard to maintain. We must always maintain our independence,” the PA official completed.

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