No:217/24, Press release on the meeting of Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov with the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Malta, Ian Borg
14 May 2024 16:00
On 14 May 2024, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, received the delegation led by the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Malta, Ian Borg, within the framework of his visit to our country.
Following the tête-à-tête meeting between Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Minister Ian Borg, an expanded meeting was convened with the participation of the delegations of both sides, during which detailed discussions were held on several key directions.
The prospects for the development of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Malta in political, economic, humanitarian and other fields were touched upon, and it was noted that there are broad opportunities for strengthening relations in areas such as energy and tourism.
It was stated that the inclusion of areas such as environment and connectivity among the priorities of Malta’s OSCE Chairmanship is welcomed by Azerbaijan. In particular, it was brought to attention that Azerbaijan’s COP29 chairmanship and Malta’s OSCE Chairmanship, through joint efforts, can create a synergy effect in responding to global environmental changes.
At a time when security in Europe is facing serious challenges, it was emphasized that the OSCE must make maximum use of its comprehensive security concept and broad membership geography in order to maintain its role in addressing regional issues. In this regard, it was recalled that principles such as sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of internationally recognized borders should play a fundamental role within the OSCE in ensuring security, restoring confidence and promoting cooperation.
Minister Jeyhun Bayramov provided his Maltese counterpart with detailed information on the regional situation in the post-conflict period and the Azerbaijan–Armenia normalization process. It was stated that direct bilateral negotiations on the normalization of Armenia–Azerbaijan relations and, ultimately, the signing of a peace agreement constitute the best approach for moving forward.
It was noted that despite a number of OSCE institutions having a relevant mandate during the former conflict period in the process of resolving the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which lasted for 30 years, no progress was achieved.
While addressing the issue of eliminating the consequences of the former conflict, it was stated that references to institutions that have lost their relevance undermine the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
In the post-conflict period, it was emphasized that based on the request and relevant appeal of the Azerbaijani side, it is important to provide support for demining and clearance of unexploded ordnance in our country, as well as for accelerating the return of internally displaced persons.
The ministers then delivered statements at a press briefing on the outcomes of the meetings and answered questions from journalists.
