Slovak president calls Azerbaijan guarantor of stability during visit to Shusha

Slovak President Peter Pellegrini described Azerbaijan as a guarantor of stability and development in the region during a visit to Shusha on July 14, as he praised the country's reconstruction efforts and highlighted expanding bilateral cooperation.

Speaking at a joint press statement with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Pellegrini said he was impressed by the pace of reconstruction in Karabakh and expressed hope that Slovak companies would continue contributing to development projects in the region, Caliber.Az reports, citing state media.

“I am very pleased to be in Azerbaijan on an official visit, including in Garabagh and Shusha. It is a great honor for me to be here today. My colleagues and I have witnessed the large-scale reconstruction efforts underway here. I would especially like to highlight what you have achieved in such a short period of time. It is also a great honor for me that Slovak companies are contributing to the development of this region. I hope they will continue to participate in various projects in the future,” he said. 

Pellegrini said the strategic partnership between Slovakia and Azerbaijan reflects genuine friendship rather than simply a diplomatic framework and offers significant potential for mutually beneficial cooperation.

“Slovakia intends to build sincere cooperation with its partners, and Azerbaijan is exactly such a partner. Azerbaijan is the guarantor of stability and development in the region and a key player—a country where regional transport routes and logistics hubs converge,” he added.

He also stressed that bilateral ties are producing tangible outcomes.

“Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Slovakia is not limited to declarations; it is yielding concrete results through practical projects,” the president said. 

Recalling his previous visits to Azerbaijan, Pellegrini concluded with a personal remark.

“I have visited Azerbaijan several times while serving in different positions. I would like to conclude by saying that every time I returned from Azerbaijan, my career advanced and I assumed greater responsibilities. That is why I would like to express my special gratitude to you,” he noted.

By Sabina Mammadli