"Support for territorial integrity is the foundation of our strategic partnership" Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Speaks to Caliber.Az

In an exclusive interview with Caliber.Az, Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olexandr Mischenko, reflects on his recent visit to Baku and the strong strategic partnership between Ukraine and Azerbaijan. Mischenko discusses the key topics addressed during his meetings with Azerbaijani officials, the unwavering support for each other’s territorial integrity, and the continued humanitarian assistance between the two nations. He also shares insights into the evolution of Azerbaijani-Ukrainian relations and offers his perspective on the prospects for peace amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

— Last week, you made a visit to Baku, where you held several important meetings. What topics were discussed during these meetings, and how would you assess the outcomes of your short visit to Baku in general?

— During my visit, I met with Azerbaijan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov and Presidential Assistant Hikmet Hajiyev. Additionally, I held meetings with Azerbaijan's Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection of Population Hidayat Abdullayev, Deputy Minister of Energy Orkhan Zeynalov, Deputy Minister of Economy Anar Akhundov, and the Head of Azerbaijan's State Border Service, Colonel-General Elchin Guliyev. Furthermore, together with Azerbaijan's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Samir Sharifov, we held Ukrainian-Azerbaijani political consultations.

All these meetings were necessary to "check the pulse" — to discuss the current state and prospects for the development of bilateral relations. For me, the most important thing was to hear the unwavering position of official Baku in support of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

At the same time, Ukraine adheres to and continues to maintain a similar position regarding Azerbaijan's territorial integrity. This is the foundation of our strategic partnership.

Perhaps we do not always agree with certain external manifestations of Azerbaijan's non-participation in voting on important resolutions at the UN General Assembly. We understand all the reasons that led to this position. At the same time, we clearly see the signals sent to us by Azerbaijan's leadership in the context of full support for Ukraine, such as Baku's immediate response when the first three transport planes with humanitarian aid from Azerbaijan arrived at the Ukrainian-Polish border on February 26, 2022. This humanitarian assistance to Ukraine continues to this day.

It was during my stay in Baku that another humanitarian cargo was delivered to Ukraine — transformers, cables, and other energy equipment, which are now as important as military-technical assistance. In this context, I would like to highlight the active support provided by the "SOCAR" network of gas stations operating in Ukraine, which has been offering comprehensive assistance to our military.

— You were Ukraine’s ambassador to Azerbaijan for nearly eight years, so you have the opportunity to evaluate the path our country has taken over these years. How do you assess it?

— I have great respect for the position of every country. It is the sovereign right of each state. Unfortunately, Ukraine and Azerbaijan share common tragic chapters in history — the occupation of our territories by an aggressor and the struggle of our peoples for independence and territorial integrity.

Thanks to its internal and foreign policy, Azerbaijan managed to resolve the key issue — the liberation of territories from the occupiers and the restoration of territorial integrity. This was preceded by large-scale, painstaking, and long-term work on developing its own defense industry, in which, I am pleased to note, Ukraine also participated by sharing its experience and military technologies.

Official Baku paid tremendous attention to modernizing its military and creating military-political alliances with its international partners. When these three factors reached their highest level, conditions were created to achieve the main goal — the liberation of its territories. We, Ukrainians, sincerely congratulate our Azerbaijani partners and friends on this great achievement.

At the same time, I want to emphasize that Azerbaijan acted in accordance with international law, exercising its legitimate right to defend the country and restore its territorial integrity. This is also what Ukraine is striving for. We do not claim foreign territories — we aim to restore our territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders.

— How do you assess the current nature of Azerbaijani-Ukrainian relations?

— Our relations, both de jure and de facto, correspond to the level of strategic partnership. The personal factor always influences the quality of such relations, their intensity, sincerity, and, consequently, their success. Fortunately, the leaders of our countries have developed exactly such a trusting relationship, based on mutual respect for the interests of both countries.

— Lately, there has been more and more talk about the prospects of "freezing" the war. How real do you consider this prospect?

— At the moment, I do not think it is necessary to comment on Ukraine's negotiations with the U.S. leadership, as they are at an initial stage, and I believe it is too early to draw conclusions. However, it can already be said that the role of the U.S., leading NATO countries, and the EU in ensuring a fair and long-term peace for Ukraine is decisive.