Azerbaijani FM Bayramov discusses strategic cooperation with CoE's Berset at Munich conference PHOTO

Jeyhun Bayramov, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, held discussions on February 15 with Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe (CoE), on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.

The meeting focused on key aspects of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the CoE, with Minister Bayramov highlighting the productive partnership that has developed since Azerbaijan joined the organization, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

He underscored the country’s engagement in areas such as the rule of law, human rights, and democracy but expressed concern over what he described as prejudiced attitudes within certain CoE institutions. Such biases, he argued, were obstructing constructive collaboration.

Particular frustration, he noted, stemmed from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe’s refusal last year to ratify the credentials of the Azerbaijani delegation. This decision, he said, was both disappointing and indicative of a discriminatory approach towards Azerbaijan.

Bayramov warned that such actions risked severing vital channels of dialogue, undermining mutual relations and impeding diplomatic engagement.

The discussions also covered a range of topical issues on the bilateral agenda, as well as other matters of shared interest.

Note that, the Munich Security Conference has commenced, coinciding with major geopolitical shifts, including the arrival of a new US administration, the beginning of a fresh European legislative cycle, and Germany’s upcoming parliamentary elections.

Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier opened the event, with discussions chaired by Christoph Heusgen. Key topics include global governance, democratic resilience, climate security, regional conflicts, and the future of transatlantic relations. Europe's global role will also be a central focus.

Alongside the main discussions, around 200 side events and public outreach activities are planned. Notably, the 4th No Money for Terror Ministerial Conference on Counter-Terrorism Financing, led by German Finance Minister Jörg Kukies, took place ahead of the main event.

The conference will conclude with Jens Stoltenberg assuming the role of Chair, succeeding Christoph Heusgen.

By Aghakazim Guliyev