Azerbaijan interested in reopening of Peruvian embassy in Baku, official says

Azerbaijan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov has expressed the country’s interest in resuming the work of the Peruvian embassy in Baku, emphasising that this move would significantly enhance diplomatic and economic cooperation between the two countries. 

"Peru opened an embassy in Baku in 2017, but it only worked for two years. Resuming the work of the diplomatic mission would significantly strengthen bilateral ties and expand our opportunities for cooperation. Diplomatic missions ensure smoother political contact, promote trade, investment growth, cultural and educational exchange," Mammadov said in an exclusive interview with Peruvian newspaper La Razon, Caliber.Az reports per local media. 

In light of growing global instability, Mammadov highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation between countries of the Global South. He pointed to Azerbaijan’s leadership of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) from 2019 to 2023 as evidence of the country’s commitment to multilateralism and global dialogue.

"Conflicts are growing. Even the UN is having difficulty resolving them. In our case [the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict – ed.], four resolutions have not been implemented. There are also contradictions within the NAM. We can discuss whether the movement has had its best or worst days, but the reason for its existence is still relevant. In a polarized world, the voice of the Global South is becoming stronger: its weight in global GDP has increased compared to the 60s and 70s. Managing a forum of 121 states is not easy – but its importance has not diminished," the diplomat noted.

Mammadov also underlined Azerbaijan’s focus on educational diplomacy, revealing that the country offers 100 scholarships to students from NAM member states. He extended an invitation to Peruvian youth to study in Azerbaijan, noting that such exchanges would contribute to the formation of long-term partnerships between the two nations.

According to the deputy minister, despite the geographical distance, Azerbaijan and Peru have great potential for cooperation across various sectors, including the fight against climate change. He recalled that both countries had chaired UN climate conferences (COP) in different years, signaling shared environmental priorities.

He also identified logistics and transport as promising areas for collaboration. Mammadov pointed to the Peruvian port of Chancay—part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative—and the Baku International Sea Trade Port, the largest in the Caspian region, as potential hubs for intercontinental trade.

"Azerbaijan, which serves as a link between Asia and Europe through the Middle Corridor and the North-South Corridor, offers Peru unique opportunities to enter new markets," he said.

Beyond trade and transport, Mammadov named rare metals extraction, energy (including renewables), agriculture, and tourism as other key areas for joint efforts.

"For three decades, we have focused our resources on liberating our lands and restoring sovereignty. Having achieved this goal, we now have more energy to open up and prioritize ties with countries such as Peru," the deputy minister emphasised.

On regional matters, Mammadov spoke about the ongoing peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, citing major progress in post-conflict reconstruction and demining efforts in the liberated territories.

"Establishing lasting peace in the South Caucasus will bring economic benefits to all countries in the region, including Armenia," he stated.

He further noted that, "for decades, Armenia has remained outside any strategic projects in the region due to the occupation policy."

"Normalization with Türkiye and opening of borders will unlock the regional potential and provide new opportunities for Armenia as well," he added. 

By Sabina Mammadli