Antalya: ‘We are learning to live in peace in the Caucasus,’ Hikmat Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, stated during a panel titled ‘South Caucasus: An Emerging Strategic Center’ at the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum, according to a report from APA’s correspondent in Trkiye.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Hajiyev emphasized that while the notion of peace may seem straightforward, achieving and maintaining it in the Caucasus is a complex and novel process. The region lacks a historical precedent for prolonged peace, making the current state a unique and precious achievement. He highlighted that peace entails more than the mere absence of conflict; it requires a comprehensive and strategic approach to be sustained. Despite recognizing past challenges, Azerbaijan is focusing on future possibilities, integrating peace as a fundamental part of its foreign policy.
Azerbaijan’s position as a South Caucasus nation is complemented by its cultural connections to Central Asia and its membership in the Turkic world through the Organization of Turkic States. Its geographical proximity to the Middle East also presents additional geopolitical opportunities. The collaboration between Trkiye, Azerbaijan, and Syria exemplifies these strategic alliances. Hajiyev asserted that real peace now exists in the South Caucasus, and Azerbaijan is committed to reinforcing this stability. He credited Azerbaijan’s diplomatic initiatives for achieving de facto peace in the region in a remarkably short time frame, contrasting this with the protracted peace processes in Europe post-World War II. Notably, Armenia and Azerbaijan have made significant strides toward real peace within less than two years since 2023 through effective and pragmatic measures.