Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Discusses Key Priorities During Visit to Czech Republic

On April 23, 2024, Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov visited the Czech Republic where he discussed Azerbaijan's foreign policy priorities, bilateral relations with the Czech Republic, post-conflict challenges, normalization with Armenia, and Azerbaijan's contributions to regional cooperation in energy security, transport, and communications. Bayramov delivered remarks at the CEVRO Institute in Prague.

During his speech, Bayramov outlined the key aspects of Azerbaijan's foreign policy and emphasized the current state and prospects of Azerbaijani-Czech relations. He addressed the realities and challenges of the post-conflict period in the region, including the ongoing normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia following the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war. "With the restoration of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and sovereignty, new opportunities for regional peace and trust have emerged, and the government is committed to advancing the normalization agenda with Armenia bilaterally," Bayramov stated.

The Azerbaijani Foreign Minister also highlighted his country's efforts in ensuring energy security and enhancing the transport and communications sectors. He noted Azerbaijan's active participation in promoting regional cooperation frameworks to effectively tackle modern challenges, advocating for joint projects in the fields of economy, energy security, transport, and communications.

Why this matters: Bayramov's visit to the Czech Republic and his remarks at the CEVRO Institute underscore Azerbaijan's diplomatic efforts to strengthen ties with European partners and promote regional stability in the South Caucasus. The discussions on post-conflict challenges and normalization with Armenia highlight the ongoing diplomatic process to resolve outstanding issues and build lasting peace in the region.

In addition to his speech at the CEVRO Institute, Bayramov also held a meeting with his Czech counterpart, Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský. The two ministers discussed Azerbaijan-Czech cooperation in political, economic, energy, humanitarian, and other domains, as well as regional and international developments. They emphasized the strategic partnership between the two countries, built on mutual respect and support for international law principles.

Bayramov also briefed the attendees on Azerbaijan's upcoming chairmanship of the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) and the preparations underway, reflecting the country's commitment to combating climate change. He addressed questions related to the Zangezur corridor, a planned transport route connecting Azerbaijan's western regions to its Nakhchivan exclave via Armenia's Syunik province, and the incorporation of green energy and fossil fuels in the region.

During a press briefing following their meeting, Bayramov and Lipavský made statements and responded to journalists' questions. Bayramov provided an update on the post-conflict situation in the region, the ongoing mine threat in Azerbaijan's liberated territories, and the <a href="https://report.az/en/foreign-politics/azerbaijani-fm-informs-think-tanks-in-czech-republic-about-process-of-normalization-with-armenia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener norefer

Key Takeaways

• Azerbaijani FM Bayramov visited Czech Republic, discussed foreign policy priorities.
• Bayramov outlined Azerbaijan's efforts on post-conflict normalization with Armenia.
• Azerbaijan emphasized regional cooperation on energy security, transport, and communications.
• Bayramov and Czech FM Lipavský discussed strategic partnership and regional developments.
• Azerbaijan to chair 2023 UN Climate Change Conference, highlighting climate commitments.