Petro Poroshenko shares thoughts on war, Aliyev's strategic thinking and friendship with Baku
Caliber.Az interview with Ukraine's fifth president
INTERVIEWS 08 September 2022 - 12:44
Caliber.Az presents an interview with Petro Poroshenko, the fifth president of Ukraine.
- Thank you, Petro Oleksiyeyevich, for agreeing to give an interview to our website. You became a member of the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre (NGIC). How would you assess the activity of the Centre and what is your role in this international organisation?
- I am honoured to join the activities of Nizami Ganjavi International Centre first of all because I see security issues as fundamental to the modern world. The centre makes a significant contribution to making our region and the whole planet safer. The annual Baku Forum, which has already become another global platform to address the challenges of the modern world, plays an important role in this regard. One cannot but agree with President Ilham Aliyev, my good friend, and friend of Ukraine, in his statement that the Centre has become one of the leading international institutions in the field of global security issues during its activity. I am sure that Ukraine has a lot to share in the development of the Centre's activity.
- How do you assess the level of Azerbaijani-Ukrainian relations?
- Our countries can be proud of the high level of the relations, as we are strategic partners. Throughout my political career, I have contributed to the development of our friendship in every possible way. The potential for our cooperation is enormous. There are opportunities for bilateral trade, ship and aircraft building, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and much more. We are also united by the challenges of defending the territorial integrity of our states.
For its part, Ukraine has always supported the Republic of Azerbaijan in the restoration of its territorial integrity. We are grateful that Baku firmly supports us in this issue as well. Kyiv highly appreciates Azerbaijan's unwavering support of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- You have had a chance to meet with the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev several times. What are, in your opinion, his main political merits?
- As the fifth president of Ukraine, I was lucky to meet with President Aliyev more than once. The very first meeting with him was enough to realise that he is a very wise, responsible, and firm leader, who deeply loves his country. It is extremely important that he is able to look far beyond the horizon and formulate the state policy in such a way that its results will be the most successful for the country. This not only prevents mistakes but also lays the foundations for confident nation-building for years to come. Believe me, this kind of strategic thinking is worth a lot.
- You were president of Ukraine in 2014-2019. Could you have foreseen then that Azerbaijan would win the war for its integrity and regain the territories of the country occupied by Armenia?
- I do not think I have the right to give any assessment in this regard. As the ex-president of the country, which now experiences all the horrors and hardships of a full-scale war, an unprovoked, insidious, and sordid war, I can say that the best way to solve any dispute is through diplomacy. Humanity has suffered enough to understand the stupidity and barbarity of war.
However, there are situations when your neighbour thinks otherwise and doesn't want a peaceful neighbourhood. When it wants a trivial medieval war with thousands of human casualties and shattered destinies. In this case, the right to self-defence and the return of occupied territories is perfectly justified. This is also stated in Article 51 of the UN Charter. Regarding your question, could anyone believe that Ukraine in 2014-2015, during my presidency, would be able to return two thirds of Moscow-occupied territories in Donbas? It was hard to believe it then and it is hard to believe it now. But we have done it. It is very important to have courage, confidence, determination, and firmness. You always get your own back, but you don't covet someone else's.
We are very grateful to Azerbaijan and to all Ukraine's friends, who are helping us today. Someone with arms and ammunition. Someone with humanitarian assistance and hosting of refugees from Ukraine. All this is very important in order to stand and win.
Caliber.Az
1
|
Poland suspends military drills following fifth soldier's death
27 March 2024 - 13:41
|
2
|
Syrian scenario for Armenia Russian, Israeli experts’ views for Caliber.Az
26 March 2024 - 17:27
|
3
|
Serbian president warns of difficult days ahead
27 March 2024 - 11:04
|
4
|
Global reactions to UNSC Gaza ceasefire resolution Diverse views, urgent action
27 March 2024 - 18:00
|
5
|
Vucic warns of Serbia's Council of Europe departure amid Kosovo debate Double standards alert
28 March 2024 - 12:13
|
Eurasianet: Armenian government grappling with border delimitation dilemma
29 March 2024 - 03:01
Iran displays advanced military might at international exhibition
PHOTO/VIDEO29 March 2024 - 01:00
Armenia’s exports to Russia raise concerns over sanctions circumvention
28 March 2024 - 23:00
Lavrov blames Armenian leadership for deliberately undermining relations with Moscow
28 March 2024 - 21:09
Turkish, Azerbaijani filmmakers unite for joint historical film Golden Train
28 March 2024 - 20:57
Japan looks to revive commercial aircraft development dreams
28 March 2024 - 20:45
CoE committee plans working visit to Armenia to assess regional dynamics
28 March 2024 - 20:41
Azerbaijan, OIC Youth Forum ink deal for Shusha 2024 program
28 March 2024 - 20:37
Ukraine drone strike hits Russian infrastructure - Belgorod governor
28 March 2024 - 20:29
EU mission in Armenia transitioning to NATO oversight
Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov28 March 2024 - 20:20
US buys 2.8 mln barrels of oil for strategic reserve
28 March 2024 - 20:14
Int’l program OIC Youth capital Shusha-2024 to host array of events - minister
28 March 2024 - 19:59
Iran oil & gas expo strategic nexus for domestic & global energy players
28 March 2024 - 19:59
Who is Mohammad Mustafa, Palestinian Prime Minister-designate?
28 March 2024 - 19:45
Shusha holds paramount significance for all Turkic states
OIC Youth Forum president28 March 2024 - 19:35
More than 20% of global oil refining capacity at risk, analysis finds
28 March 2024 - 19:29
Pakistan urges US for Iran gas pipeline waiver, calls project 'need of the hour'
28 March 2024 - 19:14
NYT: Russian group spread disinformation about Princess of Wales
28 March 2024 - 19:00
UN picks Saudi Arabia to lead women’s rights forum despite "abysmal" record
28 March 2024 - 18:49
Moroccan journalist advocates for truth in reporting on Azerbaijan
28 March 2024 - 18:36
Pundit warns of new crisis in Armenian-Russian relations
28 March 2024 - 18:21
The American Prospect: One more way Supreme Court legalizes corruption
Disgraced Bob Menendez pretending to “run” for re-election28 March 2024 - 18:07
Russian parliament assesses Türkiye's position on Moscow terrorist attack
28 March 2024 - 17:53
Mortality rate exceeds birth rate in Georgia
28 March 2024 - 17:40
President Erdogan alleges global opposition to Türkiye's actions
VIDEO28 March 2024 - 17:26
Greece's military shift sparks controversy as air force fleet shrinks
28 March 2024 - 17:13
The New York Times: Why Russia’s vast security services fell short on deadly attack
28 March 2024 - 17:00
Armenia's Republican Party advocates Western solutions for national challenges
28 March 2024 - 16:49
Turkiye neutralizes over 600 “terrorists” since January
28 March 2024 - 16:40
Another protest against French colonialism held in New Caledonia
Azerbaijani flag raised28 March 2024 - 16:25
Azerbaijan's scepticism, Russia's concerns, & France's role in the South Caucasus
Geopolitical chess28 March 2024 - 16:10
Armenia lured by Brussels' bait
Yerevan’s pivot from Moscow28 March 2024 - 15:58
What does the Moscow terror attack mean for Russia?
The enemy is much closer28 March 2024 - 15:43
The Hub: COP29 to nudge global climate policy in a more pragmatic position
28 March 2024 - 15:29
Armenia’s ruling party affirms unity amidst allegations of “government in exile”
28 March 2024 - 15:14
Armenian opposition media alleges PM Pashinyan plot to remove Russian base
28 March 2024 - 15:00
PKK supporters spark chaos at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris
VIDEO28 March 2024 - 14:49
Media: Terrorists in Moscow attack drugged with psychotropic substances
28 March 2024 - 14:40
Azerbaijani Ombudswoman meets with Armenian residents in Khankendi
28 March 2024 - 14:31
Georgian Business Association names main problem for business in Georgia
28 March 2024 - 14:22