Azerbaijani FM: Armenia shows no political will to normalize relations PHOTO

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has said that Armenia shows no political will to normalize relations.

Bayramov made the remarks at a meeting with his Croatian counterpart Gordan Grlić-Radman on September 6 as part of his official visit to this country, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry told Caliber.Az.

Following the one-on-one meeting the sides held an extended meeting with the participation of delegations.

The sides exchanged views on a number of issues of bilateral and international cooperation, emphasized the importance of further development of ties in economic, energy, agricultural, humanitarian, tourism and demining spheres, as well as the need to diversify cooperation areas. The presence of great favourable opportunities for Croatian transit operators and logistics companies to take advantage of the Middle Corridor was emphasized.

Bayramov informed the interlocutors about the post-conflict situation and realities in the region, including the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as the ongoing landmine threat.

He stated that despite Azerbaijan's initiatives, Armenia does not show the political will that is necessary for real steps to normalize relations, continues to take a contradictory position, constantly evades the implementation of the agreements and commitments reached.

Armenia, which resorts to political and military provocations, has not yet fully withdrawn its armed forces from the Azerbaijani territories posing a threat to regional security, the Azerbaijani top diplomat stressed.

The minister underlined that claims regarding the Lachin-Khankendi road were groundless. He emphasized that the rejection of Azerbaijan's proposals on transportation of goods to the territory and parallel use of roads proves that the statements about "humanitarian situation" are political manipulation.

Within the framework of the meeting, the foreign ministers signed a memorandum of understanding between the ADA University and the Diplomatic Academy of the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.

The parties then made statements to the press.