(MENAFN- AzerNews)
Sabina Mammadli read more The year 2022 played an essential role in expanding Azerbaijan's
representation in the countries of the world, Foreign Minister
Jeyhun Bayramov said.
He made the remarks at a year-end press conference on December
27.
Noting the newly-established embassies in Israel and Albania,
Bayramov said that the number of Azerbaijan's diplomatic missions
abroad has reached 89. He added that following the decisions taken
in 2021, Azerbaijan appointed ambassadors to the Vatican and Bosnia
and Herzegovina for the first time.
Talking about Azerbaijan's ties in the international arena, the
minister stressed that during the year comprehensive allied
relations between Azerbaijan and Türkiye successfully developed.
Similarly, he added that relations between Azerbaijan and Russia
also successfully expanded.
'The agenda of friendship and cooperation with Georgia has
developed steadily and positively. In 2022, intensive relations
were also established with friendly and brotherly countries of
Central Asia,' he underlined.
He noted that Azerbaijan also took an active part in the work of
the Organization of Turkic States, which expressed full support for
the opening of the Zangezur corridor.
'Negotiations with the EU on new bilateral agreements are also
continuing this year. There are new positive results,' the minister
added.
Further, Bayramov stated that Azerbaijan and Iran have begun a
bridge construction across the Araz River, within the Zangazur
corridor, noting that this way, Azerbaijan will have an alternative
route from the Zangilan District to Nakhchivan.
'Azerbaijan pursues an independent policy, and we will promote
our national interests by all means,' Bayramov added.
Noting the major work commenced in the transport and
communication sector, he emphasized the holding of a meeting of a
high-level working group between Russia, Azerbaijan, and Iran in
Baku.
The minister added that this year Azerbaijan continued to
provide humanitarian assistance, emphasizing the provision of
large-scale humanitarian assistance to Pakistan.
Talking about the current situation in Karabakh, Bayramov once
again stressed that Azerbaijan has repeatedly declared the right of
ethnic Armenians to reside in the country's Karabakh region.
Stressing that a number of steps are being taken and will
continue to be taken in this direction, the official stated that
the purposeful interference of third parties in this process harms
it. However, Azerbaijan is able to prevent such attempts, he
added.
Moreover, he reminded the public that the withdrawal of the
Armenian troops from Azerbaijan's Karabakh is an obligation
undertaken by Armenia.
'We raise this issue during the negotiations and will continue
to do so,' Bayramov added.
According to the minister, Armenia has not withdrawn its troops
and at the same time, continues to create constant tension in the
region.
The minister also informed that the country will bring new
lawsuits against Armenia at the beginning of 2023 regarding the
damage to the environment, wildlife, and the exploitation of
Azerbaijan's mineral resources. In this vein, he remarked that
international experts are working with Azerbaijan regarding the
illegal exploitation of the country's mineral deposits in Karabakh
and that calculations are being carried out.
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Sabina Mammadli is AzerNews' staff journalist, follow her on
Twitter: @sabinammdl
Follow us on Twitter @azernewsaz
Tags: briefing conference jeyhun bayramov