Baku: Jeyhun Bayramov, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, held an expanded meeting with Ignazio Cassis, Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation, who is on an official visit to the country. During the meeting, the ministers explored the bilateral agenda between Azerbaijan and Switzerland, and discussed regional issues, including the post-conflict situation in the region and the Azerbaijan-Armenia normalization process.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the meeting highlighted the upcoming 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries as a significant milestone. This anniversary presents an opportunity to review and strengthen the partnership that has developed over the years. Both officials emphasized the importance of maintaining high-level contacts and regular political consultations between their foreign ministries, noting the success of the last round of consultations held in Baku in April.
Economic cooperation was a focal point of the discussions, with particular attention given to the activities of the Joint Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation. The energy sector was identified as a key pillar of economic relations, with the successful operations of SOCAR Energy in Switzerland cited as an example of effective collaboration.
The ministers also discussed enhancing cooperation in cultural, educational, and scientific domains to reinforce humanitarian ties. Switzerland’s OSCE Chairmanship priorities were another topic, with Azerbaijan welcoming the focus on science and diplomacy, innovative technologies, water resource management, energy security, and digital security.
Minister Bayramov emphasized the need for the OSCE to leverage its comprehensive security concept to address regional challenges effectively. He reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s support for multilateralism based on sovereign equality, mutual respect, inclusive dialogue, and consensus.
In the context of the Azerbaijan-Armenia normalization process, FM Bayramov briefed his Swiss counterpart on the current peace process and confidence-building measures. He highlighted the effectiveness of the bilateral format in achieving progress.
Minister Bayramov also addressed the humanitarian crisis caused by landmines and explosive remnants of war in Azerbaijani territories, stressing the need for OSCE support in addressing this issue. The meeting concluded with discussions on the situation around Ukraine, developments in the Middle East, and other regional and international security matters.