The European Union (EU) can play an active role in normalizing relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. We support it, and we are already seeing the fruits of our work. Brussels has become the main place of visits for me. The statement came from Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at a meeting with the participants of the international conference entitled "South Caucasus: Development and Cooperation," Haqqin.az reported.

It is especially symbolic that this conference is taking place in the Azerbaijani-occupied Armenian city of Shushi, Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh).

To note, however, Aliyev has repeatedly sharply criticized the OSCE Minsk Group and in fact started the process of transferring the Karabakh conflict settlement process from the OSCE to the EU—and taking into account the unprecedented activeness of the EU in this matter.

According to Aliyev, the European Union is a very important partner for Azerbaijan, as there is a large agenda of cooperation—including trade, energy, transport, as well as humanitarian issues—between the two parties.

The Azerbaijani president noted that the development of a new strategic partnership agreement with the EU is in the final stage. Also, he stressed that Azerbaijan expects to receive financial assistance from the EU—and in proportion to the amount and terms of the assistance that Brussels intends to provide to Armenia.

"Such a decision would be fair for both countries," Ilham Aliyev added.