Presidential aide: Azerbaijan sets sights on advancing relations with Iran

Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration Hikmet Hajiyev has announced a clear objective to advance Azerbaijan’s relationship with Iran.

Speaking at the Tehran Dialogue Forum, Hajiyev underscored the importance of the event, describing it as a vital platform for discussing key regional and global issues, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

“Azerbaijan, as a friend, brother, and neighbor of Iran, was invited to the forum with an official delegation. We took part in both bilateral meetings and broader panel discussions,” Hajiyev stated, highlighting the significance of these engagements in strengthening ties between the two nations.

Hajiyev went on to stress that the discussions with Iranian counterparts had provided a new boost to bilateral cooperation.

“Our task is to advance the existing relationship,” he emphasised. “I am confident that, grounded in friendship and brotherhood, we will explore and implement opportunities for further rapprochement between our countries.” The ongoing efforts to normalize relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia also featured prominently in Hajiyev’s remarks.

Commenting on the situation in the South Caucasus, he stated that Azerbaijan is dedicated to fostering peace with Armenia while continuing to deepen regional cooperation, including with Iran. He also noted Azerbaijan's success in liberating its occupied territories and restoring its territorial integrity, attributing these achievements to the country’s firm policies.

“Favorable conditions for peace have been established in the region,” Hajiyev remarked. 

“A new status quo has emerged in the South Caucasus based on international law and legitimacy, rather than on aggression and occupation.” In line with this, Hajiyev confirmed that Azerbaijan had submitted a draft peace agreement to Armenia, which he said “clearly demonstrates Baku’s commitment to the regional peace agenda.” 

Despite these efforts, Hajiyev acknowledged that there remain unresolved issues. He specifically pointed out the need for Armenia to renounce its territorial claims against Azerbaijan, as outlined in its constitution. 

“Only in this case can we talk about a lasting and final peace,” he concluded.

Hajiyev is currently on an official visit to Iran, where he is taking part in the Tehran Dialogue Forum. The forum is being held at Iran’s Foreign Ministry and was inaugurated by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The delegates from 53 countries attended the forum.

The forum is dedicated to honoring the memory of Iran’s late Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and aims to foster dialogue on pressing global and regional issues. It features 40 thematic panels covering a wide range of topics, from diplomacy and regional cooperation to global peace and security.

By Naila Huseynova