Bayramov: "Azerbaijan Has Never Accepted Interim Solutions Contrary to National Interests"
Bayramov: "Azerbaijan Has Never Accepted Interim Solutions Contrary to National Interests"
Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Bayramov, speaking at a special cabinet meeting held in Azerbaijan on the occasion of President Ilham Aliyev’s visit to the United States, said, "Azerbaijan has never accepted interim solutions contrary to national interests."
A special cabinet meeting was held in Azerbaijan ahead of President Ilham Aliyev’s visit to the United States. The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Ali Asadov, was attended by government officials in the capital city of Baku. Speaking at the meeting, Asadov emphasized that at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump received President Aliyev with great respect and at the highest level, highlighting the special warmth, sincerity, and hospitality shown to Aliyev. Asadov said, "The victories achieved by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev on the battlefield, and the peace initiated by Azerbaijan, were formalized in Washington with the participation and signature of the U.S. President. President Aliyev’s successful visit to Washington not only strengthens Azerbaijan’s influence and position in the international political arena but also opens new perspectives for achieving long-term peace in the region."
"Azerbaijan’s peace agenda shapes the region’s economic and political future"
Referring to the start of a new period full of opportunities in the region following the Washington meeting, Asadov said, "In particular, the agreement on opening a new corridor has freed the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic from blockade. While giving special momentum to its socio-economic development, it also lays the foundation for regional transport and economic integration. The opening of the corridor presents a new and challenging responsibility for the Azerbaijani Government. For this purpose, intensive work must be carried out every day in the initial phase. This unique route, connecting Europe to Asia, will completely change the region’s energy and transport map, accelerate trade relations between countries, and, as a result, increase Azerbaijan’s export opportunities as a transit country, integrating faster into the global economy."
Highlighting the historical significance for the South Caucasus, Prime Minister Ali Asadov said, "Azerbaijan’s peace agenda shapes the economic and political future of the region. The South Caucasus will generally become an island of stability. All of this has always been a priority in President Aliyev’s policy, who knows better than anyone what to do and when, and who always fulfills his promises and commitments."
"Azerbaijan’s main territory must have an uninterrupted land connection to Nakhchivan"
Asadov stated that the signing of the Joint Declaration is not only a document ending a long-standing armed conflict between the two countries but also the result of the Azerbaijani people’s struggle for historical justice. "Azerbaijan, which has implemented UN resolutions that remained on paper for years, reestablished rights and justice through war and at the cost of the blood of its martyrs, emerged as the author of a peace agreement with Armenia, putting an end to the conflict at the political level. One of the important articles in the Joint Declaration concerns the opening of transport and communication lines in the region. After the Patriotic War, President Aliyev repeatedly and resolutely stated that Azerbaijan’s main territory must have an uninterrupted land connection to Nakhchivan. Despite all difficulties, disagreements, and differing attitudes, this demand of the President was also accepted by Armenia."
"The Joint Declaration officially recognizes the peace that Azerbaijan has long pursued"
Referring to the significance of the Washington-signed document in ensuring uninterrupted and reliable connections between Azerbaijan’s main territory and Nakhchivan, Asadov said, "For this purpose, a special infrastructure initiative supported by the U.S., called the International Peace and Prosperity initiative, known as the Trump Corridor (TRIPP), is envisaged. This will not only be important for Azerbaijan but will also bring significant changes to the economic and geopolitical map of the entire region. The Joint Declaration, signed at the trilateral summit in Washington with the participation of the leaders of Azerbaijan, the U.S., and Armenia, demonstrates that the peace that Azerbaijan has long advocated and supported has gained broad international support and is officially recognized."
"Azerbaijan has remained steadfast in the pursuit of justice and peace and has ultimately succeeded"
Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov stated that Azerbaijan’s economic and political strength has grown, making it one of the region’s main actors, and added, "Significant steps have been taken to expose Armenia’s war crimes against Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan has remained steadfast in the pursuit of justice and peace and has ultimately succeeded. Azerbaijan has never accepted interim solutions contrary to national interests."
Regarding the dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group, Bayramov said, "Based on a joint submission to the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, the draft decision on the dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group and its additional structures has been circulated among participating countries. Participating states are required to support the necessary procedures for adopting the decision, which is expected to be made by September 1."
Azerbaijan expects Armenia to abandon territorial claims
Bayramov also touched on the section of the Joint Declaration related to Nakhchivan, an integral part of Azerbaijan. "For this purpose, the Zangezur Corridor (Trump Road), which will be established on Armenian territory, ensures Azerbaijan’s internal unity and regional economic integration. This project will also expand regional trade and transport opportunities. Azerbaijan expects Armenia to make amendments to its constitution and abandon its territorial claims for the peace agreement to be signed."
"The capacity of the Middle Corridor will increase by 15 million tons per year"
Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev emphasized the strategic importance of the Zangezur Corridor, which connects Azerbaijan’s main territory to Turkey and Central Asia. "It will also serve as a new connection linking Southeast Asia and the Persian Gulf to Northern European countries. With the opening of the Zangezur Corridor, the capacity of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor) will increase by 15 million tons per year."
"Gas supply from Azerbaijan covers 14 countries via pipelines"
Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov said that Azerbaijan, together with U.S.-based Exxon Mobil, hopes to explore a major unconventional oil field in the country. "The cooperation agreement signed between SOCAR and Exxon Mobil will positively impact the development of energy relations. Azerbaijan currently supplies natural gas to 10 U.S. allies via pipelines. Overall, pipeline gas deliveries from Azerbaijan cover 14 countries. Our country recently started supplying gas to Syria. Allies such as the U.S., Israel, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) praised Azerbaijan’s participation in oil and gas production. Azerbaijan’s electricity resources, along with its renewable energy potential, make the country an attractive location for investments in data center infrastructure and artificial intelligence technologies. Azerbaijan plays an indispensable role in implementing a series of projects of strategic importance across Central Asia and the South Caucasus."