No:601/22, Press release on the telephone conversation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeyhun Bayramov, with the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union, Josep Borrell
On December 22, 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, had a telephone conversation with the High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell.
During the telephone conversation, the current situation in the region, the events that caused protests by representatives of the civil society of Azerbaijan, the mission of the European Union in Armenia, as well as the topical issues of the cooperation agenda between Azerbaijan and the EU were discussed.
Minister Jeyhun Bayramov noted that the reason for the legitimate protests of the Azerbaijanis, who demonstrated peacefully on the Lachin road, was the illegal exploitation of mineral deposits in Azerbaijan's territory, environmental problems, and abuse of the Lachin road which was intended only for humanitarian purposes. In this regard, the importance of stopping illegal activities contrary to the national legislation of Azerbaijan was emphasized.
Minister Jeyhun Bayramov also brought to the attention of the participants that the claims that the Lachin road was allegedly closed by Azerbaijan are completely unfounded, that a number of vehicles pass through the road on a regular basis during the day, and that there are no obstacles related to the supply of goods for the use of local residents or the provision of necessary medical services.
High Representative Josep Borrell said that the current tension in the region is a source of concern. In this regard, the importance of commitment to the existing peace agenda between the two countries was emphasized.
During the telephone conversation, an exchange of views also took place on other issues of mutual interest.
