Azerbaijan leads regional diplomacy, calls for justice and peace Presidential aide addresses Global Baku Forum

Azerbaijani presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev has delivered key remarks on Azerbaijan's foreign policy during the XII Global Baku Forum. 

His statements, addressing issues ranging from regional diplomacy to energy strategy, underscored Azerbaijan's growing influence and commitment to peace and multilateral cooperation, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media outlets.

Crimes against Azerbaijan cannot be forgotten

In a direct address to Armenia’s ongoing propaganda campaign, Hajiyev reaffirmed Azerbaijan's stance on the crimes committed by Armenia during the conflict. He stressed that these actions would never be forgotten and emphasized that individuals responsible for war crimes must be held accountable. “There are individuals in Armenia who have committed war crimes against humanity, against the Azerbaijani people, and they must be held criminally responsible,” Hajiyev stated.

Regarding the ongoing trial of accused war criminals in Baku, Hajiyev asserted that those on trial are accountable to the law and dismissed claims of them being prisoners or hostages. “It is unacceptable to call them prisoners and hostages,” he said.

Azerbaijan's peace efforts 

Hajiyev also touched upon Azerbaijan’s peace initiatives, highlighting that the proposal for a peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia came from Azerbaijan itself. He underlined that Armenia’s territorial claims must be removed from its Constitution. “This has already been done in practice. Amendments were made to the Constitution of the Republic of Ireland regarding Northern Ireland,” he explained.

Further, Hajiyev pointed out that Armenia and its supporters are mistaken if they think they can influence Azerbaijan's resolve through international resolutions. “Armenia and its patrons are mistaken,” he remarked.

Addressing the issue of compensation for the destruction caused by Armenia’s occupation, Hajiyev noted that Azerbaijani structures had conducted thorough assessments of the damages to cities, villages, and cultural heritage over the 30 years of occupation. “This issue is also a separate topic for discussion to ensure lasting peace in the region,” he stated, emphasizing that Azerbaijan is committed to resolving these issues while ensuring regional stability.

Azerbaijan’s active role in global diplomacy

Hajiyev reiterated Azerbaijan's commitment to multilateral diplomacy, highlighting the nation's openness to fostering dialogue on the global stage. During the XII Global Baku Forum, which is focused on shaping a new world order, Hajiyev stressed the importance of Azerbaijan's role in these discussions. “Azerbaijan has demonstrated its position in the creation of new realities in the South Caucasus,” he said.

He also emphasized Azerbaijan's active participation in shaping multilateral relations and its role in international organizations. “Azerbaijan, based on regional principles and the concept of collective strength, plays an active role in discussions about the new world order,” Hajiyev added.

Energy strategy and strengthening regional ties

On the topic of Azerbaijan's energy strategy, Hajiyev highlighted the country's efforts to create a unified energy route connecting several seas, including the Caspian, Black, Mediterranean, and Adriatic Seas. He explained the significance of establishing closer ties with Balkan countries, despite the geographical distance.

“The war between Russia and Ukraine is significantly impacting regional relations,” Hajiyev remarked. He also pointed out that strengthening ties between Central Asia and Azerbaijan remains a priority in the country’s foreign policy. Furthermore, he noted the importance of Azerbaijan's relationship with Georgia as a model of good neighborliness.

To recap, the XII Global Baku Forum, themed "Rethinking World Order: Turning Challenges into Opportunities," is currently taking place at the Gulustan Palace in Baku under the patronage of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. The forum has brought together over 400 high-profile participants, including current and former heads of state, Nobel laureates, and international leaders, to discuss global challenges and opportunities. Over the past 11 years, the forum has established itself as a key platform for dialogue, having hosted more than 100 heads of state and 4,000 senior leaders.

By Vugar Khalilov