Azerbaijan engages in high-level diplomatic talks at Munich Security Conference PHOTO

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov held a series of high-level meetings on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, discussing bilateral cooperation and regional security with counterparts from Latvia, Romania, Iraq, Moldova, and Bulgaria.

On February 15, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Latvia's Foreign Minister Baiba Braže discussed the issues related to bilateral cooperation on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. 

The meeting also focused on the regional and international situation in the field of security, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry said, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

The importance of high-level mutual visits for further strengthening relations between the two countries was emphasised. Preparation for the upcoming session of the intergovernmental commission were also discussed. The meeting also included an exchange of views on other issues of mutual interest.

During the Munich Security Conference, Bayramov also discussed regional and international issues with his Romanian counterpart Emil Hurezeanu. The meeting also focused on issues related to the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Romania. Bayramov extended his sincere congratulations to Hurezeanu on his appointment as Romania's foreign minister and wished him success in his new role. 

The importance of high-level mutual visits and political dialogue was highlighted as crucial for advancing the bilateral strategic partnership between the two countries. The two sides also explored opportunities for further expanding cooperation between Azerbaijan and Romania in various areas, including the economy, energy, trade, humanitarian affairs, education, agriculture, tourism and other spheres.

The ministers specifically emphasised the importance of partnership in the field of green energy. The expansion of cooperation in such spheres as transportation and logistics, particularly along the Middle Corridor, may further enhance the collaboration between the two countries.

The meeting also covered the current situation and realities in the post-conflict period in the region, the prospects for the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as other issues of mutual interest.  

As part of his participation in the Munich Security Conference, Bayramov also discussed bilateral relations between Baku and Baghdad with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein. 

The meeting also focused on key regional issues. Bayramov highlighted that high-level mutual visits and intensive political dialogue between the two countries play a crucial role in the positive development of cooperation across political, economic, trade, energy, education, cultural, and other spheres. The sides also discussed the current situation in the Middle East, emphasising the importance of establishing peace and stability in the region.

The relationship between Azerbaijan and Iraq, rooted in historical friendship and solidarity, is also reflected in their cooperation on international platforms. Hussein spoke with satisfaction about his visit to Baku, recalling the meetings where the development of bilateral cooperation was discussed. The minister highlighted Iraq's interest in further advancing its relationship with Azerbaijan and emphasised the strong potential for expanding bilateral cooperation. The meeting also included an exchange of views on other issues of mutual interest.

During the same event, Bayramov and Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi discussed the current agenda of bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and Moldova. The meeting focused on the cooperation between Azerbaijan and Moldova, particularly in the field of energy security, as well as regional and international issues. 

The role of high-level contacts in strengthening the friendly relations between the two countries, based on mutual respect and support, was highlighted. The importance of further developing cooperation between the two nations within multilateral platforms was emphasized. The meeting also included an exchange of views on other issues of mutual interest. 

Moreover, during the same event Bayramov and his Bulgarian counterpart Georg Georgiev discussed the aspects of the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria. The sides discussed aspects of the partnership in the economic and trade sectors, energy security, as well as regional and international security issues. 

The importance of maintaining an active political dialogue between the two countries was emphasised. The discussion also covered mechanisms for strategic dialogue and political consultations to further develop their strategic partnership, as well as the activities of the Joint Commission on Trade-Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria. The sides emphasised that cooperation in energy security is one of the key areas of the strategic partnership between the two countries.

The importance of continuing their established collaboration in the field of green energy was also highlighted. The ongoing projects to strengthen cooperation in energy supply and the established interconnector routes are tangible outcomes of bilateral interaction. The meeting also included an exchange of views on other issues of mutual interest.

By Naila Huseynova