By Sabina Mammadli
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and his Belgian counterpart Hadja Lahbib discussed bilateral cooperation relations between Azerbaijan and Belgium and partnership issues with the European Union.
The discussion took place during the High Level Week of the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
During the meeting, attention was drawn to energy cooperation issues, and the importance of the Southern Gas Corridor was highlighted. The parties also discussed the latest situation in the region.
Minister Jeyhun Bayramov noted that the Armenian provocations are a flagrant violation of the tripartite declarations and agreements between the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia, negotiated by the President of the EU Council Charles Michel, and undermine the efforts of mediation. The minister stressed that Azerbaijan is taking consistent steps to advance the peace agenda.
The Belgian minister said it was necessary to stabilize the situation. The need for a normalization process and the signing of a peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia was stressed.
Other issues of common interest were also discussed during the meeting.
Singapore, Sweden
Bayramov and his Singaporean counterpart Vivian Balakrishnan discussed regional issues.
“We discussed regional issues, prospects for expanding the bilateral partnership between Azerbaijan and Singapore,” Bayramov noted.
In addition, Bayramov met with Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde.
According to his Twitter page, the Azerbaijani minister informed his interlocutor about the escalations on the Azerbaijani-Armenian border.
“I am pleased to meet Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde. I briefed the Minister on the escalation initiated by Armenia and once again expressed Azerbaijan’s commitment to the process of We also discussed the possibilities of expanding Azerbaijani-Swedish cooperation,” Jeyhun Bayramov said. .
UNAOC
During the same event, Bayramov and UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) High Representative Miguel Angel Moratinos also discussed regional issues and cooperation.
Expressing satisfaction with the high level of development of cooperation with the Alliance of Civilizations, Bayramov noted that as a multinational and multi-confessional country, Azerbaijan is distinguished by an atmosphere of dialogue and tolerance at the national level, and also attaches great importance to the promotion of these values at the international level.
Noting that the post-conflict period has opened new opportunities in the region, Bayramov pointed out that the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations has favorable opportunities to promote peace both in the region and between countries. Informing about the works carried out in the restoration of the monuments destroyed during the occupation in the territories liberated from the occupation, the minister underlined the support given by the organization in this direction. Jeyhun Bayramov informed the other side of the consistent measures taken in the field of restoration and protection of cultural heritage in the territories affected by the conflict, guaranteeing the same rights to the Armenian residents of these territories, as well as to all Azerbaijani citizens, and expressed its determination to take steps to reintegrate them into the socio-economic space.
In turn, Moratinos expressed his gratitude for the cooperation with Azerbaijan. Moratinos stressed the importance of the “Peace for Culture” campaign initiated by Azerbaijan and the action plan signed with the Alliance in this direction. At the same time, it was stated that the steps actively taken by Azerbaijan in the inter-religious and inter-civilizational dialogue are significant and indicative.
The parties exchanged views on preparations for the 9th Alliance event, to be held in Morocco in November this year.
Hungary
In addition, the Azerbaijani Minister met with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Sijarto, who expressed his satisfaction with the level of development of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Hungary.
During the meeting, a broad exchange of views took place on the prospects for cooperation on multilateral platforms, as well as on regional issues.
Bayramov said that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries and that relations between our peoples have deep historical roots. The Minister spoke highly of the high-level strategic partnership existing between the two countries. He informed his colleague in detail about the current situation in the region.
The ministers particularly emphasized the dynamics of development of cooperation between our countries in the political, economic, energy, educational, humanitarian, tourist and other fields. In this regard, the role of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission in expanding our economic ties was noted.
Sijarto expressed his determination to develop relations between Azerbaijan and Hungary in many fields. He stressed that Hungary attaches great importance to the development of relations with Azerbaijan, a friendly country, and respects and supports the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. The minister said that Hungary is interested in participating in the restoration and reconstruction of the liberated territories of Azerbaijan. Noting that Azerbaijan is an important partner in ensuring Europe’s energy security, Sijarto drew attention to cooperation plans in the energy sector.
Red Cross
Later, Bayramov and Chairman of the International Committee of the Red Cross Peter Maurer discussed the current situation and prospects for cooperation between Azerbaijan and the ICRC, which has existed for many years, as well as the situation caused by Armenia’s provocation.
Noting that the ICRC is one of Azerbaijan’s main partners in the humanitarian field, Bayramov stressed the importance of continuing relevant work to obtain information on the missing, clarify the fate of more than 3,800 Azerbaijanis and pressure on Armenia on this subject.
The ICRC president said he was always open to cooperation with Azerbaijan in all directions. After the latest tensions, he actively contacted the parties in the region and expressed his gratitude for the support provided by our country.
At the same time, an exchange of views took place on the issue of mines in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan and the disasters caused by them, as well as on possible cooperation between Azerbaijan and the ICRC to eliminate the consequences of the problem mines.
During the meeting, the parties also discussed issues of mutual interest related to humanitarian activities.
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