The EU sees Azerbaijan as an important energy partner, the EU's European Council President Herman Van Rompuy told journalists in Baku on Thursday.

"Azerbaijan is a reliable supplier both of oil and gas," Rompuy said stressing that the EU strongly supports the so called " Southern Gas Corridor" energy project, which is aimed at acquiring gas from Caspian and Middle Eastern regions.

Rompuy said the EU wants to deepen ties with Azerbaijan. " Azerbaijan is unique in many ways. The country saw impressive recent economic growth and the challenge is now to secure sustainability of growing economy and modernization," he said.

The EU top official also said Azerbaijan is showing its commitment to international peace and security. "The European Union is interested in a stable, progressive, and tolerant Azerbaijan," said Rompuy.

He also welcomed the release last week of nine opposition supporters jailed for participating in a rally in 2011, saying more such steps were needed.

Rompuy's South Caucasus tour started in Armenia on July 3, and then continued in Georgia and Azerbaijan.