The European Union Thursday opened the Eastern Partnership summit in an effort to foster closer political and economic ties with six former Soviet republics.

Under the framework of the EU's European Neighborhood Policy, the Eastern Partnership aims to bring Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine closer to the EU.

Presidents, premiers and their deputies from 33 nations signed an agreement meant to extend the EU's political and economic ties at the summit in Prague.

Hans-Gert Pottering is European Parliament President.

"I think it's very important that our eastern neighbors, that they develop in a good way, in a democratic way, that they have a sound economy and with our relation, the EU Eastern Partnership relation, we want to make our contribution for stability in Eastern Europe."

According to the agreement, the EU will offer its eastern neighbors free trade, millions in economic aid, regular security consultations, economic integration into its single European market, technical expertise and visa-free travel.

The partnership was initiated by Poland and Sweden last year and aimed at stabilizing its eastern borders and achieving energy security.