The European Commission is ready to contribute to an early settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, stated at her meeting with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mamedyarov in New York, USA.

In his turn, Minister Mamedyarov pointed out the necessity for settling the conflict within Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. He informed the European Commissioner of the present stage of the peace process and Azerbaijan’s position. The sides exchanged views on the present situation and prospects of the EU-Azerbaijan cooperation.

Mrs. Ferrero-Waldner stressed Azerbaijan is energetically important for Europe, pointing out the energy sector’s importance for the EU-Azerbaijan cooperation. According to her, the European Commission decided to sign an association contract with Azerbaijan, and a relevant mandate will soon be prepared, reported the Trend News agency.