Azerbaijani deputy FM highlights promising future for partnership with Poland

Azerbaijan’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Fariz Rzayev, has expressed confidence in the continued development and deepening of bilateral relations with Poland, highlighting the significant progress made through mutual efforts.

Speaking at an event in Baku to mark the anniversary of the adoption of the Polish Constitution, Rzayev underscored the long-standing historical connections between the two countries, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

He recalled how Poland was among the first to recognize the independence of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR), the first democratic republic in the East.

"At the time, Poland had a consulate in Baku," Rzayev noted, reflecting on the shared history of both nations. 

The deputy minister also emphasised the vital role that Polish citizens played in the development of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. Polish engineers, he explained, contributed significantly to the architectural development of Baku in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and played a key role in advancing Azerbaijan’s oil industry.

Rzayev highlighted the strong political, economic, and cultural ties that have been nurtured between Azerbaijan and Poland since the restoration of Azerbaijan’s independence.

"Since then, our countries have built close relations based on mutual respect and trust," he said. "These ties have flourished in various fields, including politics, economics, and humanitarian efforts."

He further pointed out that the signing of a strategic partnership declaration in 2017 and the roadmap for economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and Poland have paved the way for even closer collaboration. 

Over the past year, foreign ministers of both countries have met at the UN General Assembly and conducted phone talks earlier this year, reflecting a continued political dialogue. 

"Our countries are also enhancing economic cooperation, with initiatives like the intergovernmental commission playing a central role," Rzayev added. 

He also highlighted the growing educational exchange between the nations, with approximately 4,000 Azerbaijani students currently studying in Poland during the 2023-2024 academic year.

Poland’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Paweł Radomski, also addressed the attendees at the event, emphasising the strategic importance of Azerbaijan to Poland. "Azerbaijan is our strategic partner, and we are strengthening our partnership through effective mechanisms like economic commission meetings," Radomski said. 

He also expressed his hopes for peace and stability in the South Caucasus, stressing that he is optimistic about the future development of Azerbaijan-Poland relations. "I am confident that our partnership will continue to grow stronger in the near future," Radomski added.

By Naila Huseynova