Azerbaijani FM strengthens bilateral ties with foreign counterparts at OSCE Ministerial Council

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov held discussions with his foreign counterparts during the 31st OSCE Ministerial Council in Valletta, Malta, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation in various fields.

Bayramov met with his Georgian counterpart Maka Botchorishvili on the sidelines of the 31st OSCE Ministerial Council meeting, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

The meeting addressed various aspects of the strategic partnership and friendly relations between the two countries, as well as issues of regional security.

Bayramov congratulated his colleague on her appointment as Georgia's Minister of Foreign Affairs and wished her success in her new role.

Both parties expressed satisfaction with the strategic partnership between their countries, which is based on international legal norms and principles, particularly mutual respect for territorial integrity, sovereignty, and friendship.

The potential contribution of utilizing the mechanism of political consultations to enhance cooperation within regional and international platforms was noted.

The importance of developing economic, legal, humanitarian, and energy dimensions of bilateral relations was emphasized, along with the significance of joint strategic projects. The role of the Azerbaijan-Georgia Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation was also highlighted.

Bayramov briefed his counterpart on the outcomes of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), held in the region for the first time under Azerbaijan's presidency. The importance of advancing international efforts on green energy development at the national level and expanding joint cooperation with Georgia in this area was underscored.

The Georgian side was also thoroughly informed about regional reconstruction, development, and peacebuilding efforts in the post-conflict period. It was stressed that Armenia's territorial claims against its neighbours remain the greatest threat to sustainable peacebuilding in the region.

In a separate meeting, FM Bayramov also engaged with Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár, with discussions centred around the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Slovakia. The two officials expressed contentment with the strong bilateral relationship and explored opportunities to further enhance both bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

During the meeting, discussions focused on Azerbaijan-Slovakia strategic partnership relations, significant decisions made within the framework of COP29, and the current situation in the region in the post-conflict period.

The meeting between the leaders of the two countries held during COP29 was recalled with satisfaction. In this context, the importance of continuing high-level reciprocal visits and political consultations aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership based on friendship, mutual respect, and beneficial cooperation between Azerbaijan and Slovakia was emphasized. The necessity of utilizing the existing opportunities to further develop cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, and energy was highlighted, along with the vast potential for collaboration in these areas.

The Slovak side was informed about Azerbaijan’s presidency of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The significant decisions made during COP29, including the adoption of the Baku Financial Objective, were also noted.

Bayramov provided detailed information on the current situation and realities in the region during the post-conflict period, as well as on reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts and peace initiatives. Progress in the areas of delimitation and the peace agreement was noted, while attention was drawn to the obstacles caused by territorial claims in Armenia's constitution and legislation. Joint efforts between the two countries in reconstruction, rehabilitation, and demining activities were also reviewed.

Foreign Minister Bayramov also met with Slovenian counterpart Tanja Fajon on the sidelines of the OSCE Ministerial Council in Valletta.

During the meeting, discussions were held on the prospects for bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and Slovenia, as well as on regional and international issues on the agenda.

Minister Jeyhun Bayramov emphasized Azerbaijan’s commitment to developing bilateral and multilateral relations with Slovenia based on friendship, mutual respect, and productive collaboration. He highlighted the importance of reciprocal visits and maintaining a continuous political dialogue for further advancing relations.

The potential for expanding cooperation in areas such as economy, trade, energy, and particularly "green energy" was underscored as holding significant opportunities.

The Slovenian side was also briefed on Azerbaijan’s hosting and presidency of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Azerbaijan’s ongoing contributions to international efforts to combat climate change were highlighted, and its readiness for further cooperation in this sphere was reiterated.

Minister Jeyhun Bayramov also provided detailed information on the current situation and realities in the region during the post-conflict period, the extensive reconstruction and development efforts in the liberated territories, and the latest developments in the Azerbaijan-Armenia normalization agenda.

On the margins of the OSCE Ministerial Council, Foreign Minister Bayramov also met with his Andorran counterpart Imma Tor Faus.  

The meeting focused on the prospects for developing bilateral and multilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Andorra, matters arising from Azerbaijan's COP29 presidency, as well as regional and international issues on the agenda.

Bayramov provided an overview of Azerbaijan’s presidency of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and highlighted the key outcomes, particularly significant decisions on climate finance. He also expressed satisfaction with Andorra’s support for six out of the nine declarations proposed by Azerbaijan’s presidency in the fight against climate change.

Additionally, the Andorran side was briefed on the current situation in the region, including the extensive reconstruction and development efforts in the liberated territories and the progress in the Azerbaijan-Armenia normalization process.

By Vafa Guliyeva