Azerbaijan vows to advance peace agenda globally, UN envoy says

Azerbaijan will continue its efforts to advance the peace agenda both in the region and globally, and will intensify its efforts to transform the multilateral system into a more effective mechanism capable of fulfilling its commitments, Azerbaijan's Permanent Representative to the UN, Tofig Musayev, said.

Addressing the UN Security Council during an open debate held under the agenda item Maintenance of International Peace and Security and themed “Leadership for Peace,” Musayev expressed gratitude to the Slovenian delegation for organising the meeting, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

He stressed that the international community is currently confronting a series of serious and interconnected crises, noting that these challenges are placing significant strain on the multilateral system.

The Representative stressed that the Security Council’s September 2024 statement highlighted the importance of multilateralism, the central role of the UN, and adherence to international law and the UN Charter.

He called for preventing distorted interpretations of international law and ensuring commitments are honoured as agreed, noting Azerbaijan’s experience shows the need for consistent application of law without selectivity. Respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference is essential for peace, security, and development.

All states, especially developing countries, should have equal opportunities in global decision-making, and Security Council reform is needed to improve representativeness and effectiveness.

Musayev highlighted Azerbaijan’s active multilateral role, including hosting the 29th Climate Change Conference, engagement in the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of Turkic States, and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia. He noted that Azerbaijan’s full membership in the Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State would further expand its contributions to multilateral cooperation.

Ambassador Tofig Musayev also addressed the UN Peacebuilding Commission during an Ambassadorial-Level Meeting on the Peaceful Settlement of Border Disputes in Central Asia.

He expressed gratitude to the Commission Chair for convening the meeting at the request of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, emphasising Azerbaijan's consistent support for the principles of territorial integrity, inviolability of borders, and historically friendly relations with the countries of Central Asia.

Musayev recalled Azerbaijan’s acceptance as a full participant in the 7th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia in Tashkent, highlighting President Ilham Aliyev’s remarks on the unique nature of Azerbaijan’s relations with Central Asian countries and the potential of these ties to strengthen regional cooperation.

The ambassador welcomed recent bilateral and trilateral border agreements between Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, praising their commitment to international law, peace, and mutual understanding. He underlined that secure borders, respect for sovereignty, and peaceful dispute resolution are fundamental for stability, regional development, and good-neighbourly relations.

Musayev also noted the International Court of Justice’s position that defining borders aims to achieve stability and certainty, stressing the broader significance of these agreements against the backdrop of global conflicts and rising tensions.

He concluded by expressing confidence that these achievements and strong regional ties will further promote partnership, cooperation, and peace across Central Asia.

By Jeyhun Aghazada