Azerbaijan, Switzerland discuss post-conflict situation in South Caucasus

On September 25, 2024, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation, Ignazio Cassis, discussed the strengthening of bilateral relations, preparations for the COP29 climate conference in Baku, and regional developments.

The talks took place during the high-level week of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry told Caliber.Az.

The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations, preparations for the COP29 climate conference in Baku, and regional developments.

During the meeting, both ministers highlighted the importance of high-level visits and consistent political dialogue in expanding the scope of bilateral relations.

“The role and importance of mutual high-level visits and constant political dialogue in expanding the scope and enriching the content of bilateral relations was noted,” the ministry’s press service stated.

Discussions also touched on Azerbaijan's upcoming role as host of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Minister Bayramov provided detailed updates on Azerbaijan’s preparations for the conference, which will see the participation of world leaders and climate experts later this year.

A significant portion of the talks addressed the post-conflict realities in the South Caucasus region, including the ongoing normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Bayramov emphasized the threats posed by landmines in liberated territories and the challenges to the peace process.

“The Swiss side was informed in detail about the current situation and realities in our region in the post-conflict period, mine threats, and progress in the normalization process of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia,” the ministry said.

The Azerbaijani side also expressed concern over Armenia's territorial claims and rapid militarization, which Bayramov noted as major obstacles to lasting peace.

“It was emphasized that the ongoing territorial claims against Azerbaijan in Armenian legislation, as well as the rapid arming of this country are the main factors threatening the sustainable peacebuilding process in the region,” the press service said.

Both ministers also exchanged views on other bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual interest, signalling a continued commitment to enhancing cooperation between Azerbaijan and Switzerland.

By Khagan Isayev