Peter Semneby

"I hope the improvements observed in the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will continue. Much has been achieved up to now. The sides are close to each other and this cannot be lost," Semneby told journalists.

Peter Semneby said he does not want to comment on the substance of the Karabakh negotiations process at a sensitive time when the presidents are expected to hold the next meeting.

"The fact that the presidents and foreign ministers continue meeting is in itself a positive sign," he said.

Semneby said the EU is positive about the normalization of Armenia-Turkey relations.

"We want to see this region as one with open borders, where people can travel easily. Commercial relations will bring the countries of the region closer. The present situation in the Caucasus is not normal at all – the Armenia-Turkey, Armenia-Azerbaijan and Georgia-Russia borders are closed. A start should be made. Enough has been achieved in this complex process of negotiations. We hope that serious improvements will be made in the other open issues, including the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict," he said.

Earlier on Monday, Semneby and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov discussed relations between Azerbaijan and the EU.

The EU is interested in establishing close ties with Azerbaijan and the restoration of peace in the region as soon as possible, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry news service said.

Mammadyarov said that Azerbaijan is ready to expand cooperation with the EU and mentioned the importance of the Eastern Partnership programme in this regard.

Touching upon security in the South Caucasus and the Karabakh problem, Mammadyarov said that continuation of the status quo of the Armenian occupation of Azerbaijani land is inadmissible. He said that the conflict can be settled only within the framework of the norms and principles of international law and the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.

APA, Interfax-Azerbaijan