Azerbaijan’s relations vis-a-vis Europe should concentrate on creating future perspectives and overcoming current challenges, Azerbaijan’s ambassador to Belgium, Fuad Isgandarov, told EurActiv in an exclusive interview.

He said Azerbaijan expressed its clear and firm position on the future of the EU-Azerbaijani relations even before the negative resolution adopted by the European Parliament on the country.

“We remain focused on the bilateral format of cooperation, where both parties can exercise equal partnership and accommodate mutually agreed priorities of cooperation,” said Isgandarov.

The diplomat talked about some trends negatively influencing the bilateral relations.

“Unfortunately, some EU institutions have transformed the constructive dialogue into lecturing monologue. But we are not students,” said the ambassador.

That’s why Azerbaijan’s parliament decided to entirely suspend its cooperation with the European Parliament, he added.

Moreover, it also resulted in postponing the consultations on the draft Strategic Partnership Agreement upon the decision of the government of Azerbaijan, Isgandarov said.

Further, the ambassador said that Azerbaijan is a more secure country to live than most European ones.

“We demonstrate our full, real and clear support to antiterrorist activity of our Western partners,” he said, adding that it is challenging for the young, secular Muslim state.

“But it is our choice. Friendship is not a “glass of water”, which could be half full or half empty depending on the situation,” said Isgandarov. “It should be always full of confidence and trust.”

“That is our approach. We expect the same from our European partners,” he added.