Duda’s "binocular show" at Armenia-Azerbaijan border threatens bilateral ties, Baku says

On November 27, Polish President Andrzej Duda, currently on a visit to Armenia, took part in patrols alongside European Union (EU) "observers" stationed in the country. 

During his visit, President Duda also met with Polish nationals involved in the EU’s reconnaissance and observation mission.

The visit sparked a strong reaction from the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, which issued a formal condemnation of Duda’s actions, Caliber.Az reports citing the ministry's message on X.

The visit by President of Poland @AndrzejDuda to Armenia-Azerbaijan border area in the company of members of the EU Mission in Armenia (EUMA), unfortunately, is another demonstration of anti-Azerbaijani policy of different EU member countries and European institutions.

We… https://t.co/ftbdCK4VEB

— MFA Azerbaijan 🇦🇿 (@AzerbaijanMFA) November 27, 2024

The ministry described the visit as clear evidence of the EU’s ongoing anti-Azerbaijani stance, highlighting the implications for Azerbaijan-Poland relations. In its statement, the ministry said, "The visit by President of Poland Andrzej Duda to the Armenia-Azerbaijan border area in the company of members of the EU Mission in Armenia (EUMA), unfortunately, is another demonstration of the anti-Azerbaijani policy of different EU member countries and European institutions."

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry further expressed its regret, stating, "We deeply regret that the President of the country which is officially a 'strategic partner' of Azerbaijan has participated in the unacceptable diplomatic 'binocular show,' leading to the aggravation of relations between Azerbaijan and Poland." The statement also noted that despite multiple diplomatic communications from Azerbaijan to Poland, urging caution, the Polish government proceeded with the visit, which Azerbaijan considers a provocative act.

The Azerbaijani ministry concluded with a pointed remark, asserting that "Azerbaijan retains its right to take due diplomatic measures against this unfriendly action," signalling the potential for further tensions between the two nations over the issue.

The situation is further complicated by the broader context of the EU's involvement in Armenia. Despite Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s proposal that the EU civilian mission be removed from areas where the border delimitation process has been completed, Azerbaijan views the continued presence and activities of the mission with concern. Azerbaijan interprets these actions as fueling revanchist sentiments within Armenia, especially given the country's ongoing rearmament and its firm position in negotiations. This demonstrates the EU's lack of genuine interest in fostering peace between the two countries.

By Tamilla Hasanova