EU Should Treat Azerbaijan as an ‘Island of Stability’ and Key Partner, Says Former Belgian PM Yves Leterme
Baku, The Gulf Observer: The European Union should pay special attention to Azerbaijan as an “island of stability” in a region facing growing pressures, former Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme said during a panel discussion at the 13th Global Baku Forum.
Speaking at the forum in Baku, Leterme highlighted Azerbaijan’s remarkable progress over the past two decades and stressed that the country has created significant opportunities for economic growth and regional cooperation.
According to him, under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has achieved notable development and strengthened its economic potential.
“Azerbaijan has seen impressive achievements over the past 15–20 years. We must understand that we need to gain Azerbaijan’s attention. We are obliged to respect Azerbaijan as a partner with whom dialogue is necessary,” Leterme said.
The former Belgian premier emphasized that the European Union should build its relations with Azerbaijan on the basis of mutual respect and constructive engagement. He warned that external interference in a country’s internal affairs could negatively affect diplomatic dialogue and future cooperation.
“For example, when we interfere in the internal affairs of a country like Azerbaijan and adopt resolutions, we must understand that by doing so we are closing the doors to future negotiations,” he noted.
Leterme also underlined that such actions could complicate cooperation in critical sectors, particularly energy, where Azerbaijan has become an important partner for Europe.
“We have been interfering in Azerbaijan’s internal affairs for years, and the next day we come and ask: ‘Can you sell us more gas?’ This is a typical European attitude that does not work in a world where interests are more important than values,” he added.
The remarks were delivered during discussions at the 13th Global Baku Forum, which brings together international leaders, policymakers, and experts to address global political and economic challenges.
