On July 18, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen the Press Office of the Azerbaijani President reported.

President Aliyev spoke at the meeting: "Your visit demonstrates the importance of our bilateral cooperation. We are very happy that the relations between the European Union and Azerbaijan are developing successfully within the framework of bilateral cooperation and the Eastern Partnership."

"You know that the European Union is our main trade partner. I am sure that the projects we plan to implement in the coming years will expand our trade cooperation. Of course, cooperation in the energy field has always been at the top of our agenda. At the beginning of this year, after the visit of Mrs. Commissioner, we started the energy dialogue. I think it is also a very good sign of mutual interest,” he added.

"I am sure we will discuss these and other issues during your visit. Also, today we have a very important ceremony that will herald the beginning of new broad cooperation in the field of energy," Azerbaijani President concluded.

Ursula von der Leyen stated: "As you have said, we have a long-term partnership. The Eastern Partnership includes Azerbaijan in particular. We want to deepen the excellent relations further. If we look at the Memorandum of Understanding that we will sign today, I must note that first of all, that document is based on the results of the excellent work carried out by our representatives. It specifically mentions a reliable partnership in the energy sector and renewable energy issues in the medium and long term. In short, the document covers all the issues that we discussed in detail today."

"Of course, as you said, in addition to the Memorandum of Understanding, an agreement between the European Union and Azerbaijan is also envisaged. We have just discussed this with the Minister of Foreign Affairs - let us give a new impetus to that agreement, let us go further and discuss the remaining issues," she underlined.

Moreover, the officials signed the "Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Partnership in the energy field between the European Union represented by the European Commission and the Republic of Azerbaijan."

This year's meeting comes at a time of gas crisis in Europe. Previously, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said that if Russia suspends gas supplies to Europe, EU countries will discuss gas supplies with Azerbaijan. 

Additionally, in February, Caucasus Watch reported that the European Union and the Azerbaijani government have agreed to expand the Southern Gas Corridor. At a joint press conference, the European Union expressed its desire to receive more gas from Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan said it would provide these volumes. Following the eighth ministerial meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor Consultative Council in Baku on February 4, Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov and EU Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson said in a joint press release that Azerbaijan and the European Union are strategic energy partners.