28 December 2023 18:57

On 28 December 2023, a press conference on the outcomes of 2023 was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as representatives of local and foreign media, participated in the press conference.

During the press conference, extensive information was provided on bilateral and multilateral cooperation with foreign countries during 2023, our country’s economic and humanitarian diplomacy and international assistance activities, diplomatic efforts in the post-conflict period, work carried out to protect the rights and freedoms of Azerbaijani citizens, events organized in connection with the information support of foreign policy, analytical work and personnel issues.

Speaking at the press conference, Minister Jeyhun Bayramov stated that 2023, the year in which we celebrated the 100th anniversary of Great Leader Heydar Aliyev, was successful and rich for our foreign policy, founded by him and currently implemented under the leadership of Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

It was highlighted that during the year, contacts with neighboring states, including countries of Asia, Europe, America and Africa, intensified, 161 documents in various fields were signed with 44 countries in this direction, and political consultations were held with 25 states. It was stated that during 2023, our country successfully chaired the Non-Aligned Movement, the United Nations Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA), and the Economic Cooperation Organization, as well as continued cooperation with other regional and international organizations. It was particularly noted that the candidacy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to host the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) for the next year was approved.

In the field of economic diplomacy, it was stated that Azerbaijan’s role in ensuring international energy security and transit transportation increased during the current year.

In the field of humanitarian diplomacy, it was noted that work was carried out regarding the mine threat and towards clarifying the fate of missing persons.

In the field of international development assistance, the event participants were provided with detailed information about the humanitarian assistance provided by our country in connection with the devastating earthquake that occurred in the brotherly Republic of Türkiye during the year and the situation around Ukraine, as well as our country’s international assistance programmes.

It was noted that in the post-conflict period, practical steps were taken by our side towards the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, advancing the peace agenda, as well as preventing the smear campaign conducted against our country.

Despite the dynamics of contacts, it was highlighted that Armenia’s engagement in imitating negotiations by evading its obligations obstructed progress in the process.

Nevertheless, it was emphasized that as a result of the local anti-terror measures carried out on 19-20 September, a historic opportunity emerged towards establishing peace and security in the region with the end of Armenia’s illegal military presence in our territories.

Minister Jeyhun Bayramov stated that in 2023, work was continued towards establishing Armenia’s international legal responsibility for the crimes committed in our territories, which it kept under occupation for nearly 30 years.

It was highlighted that during the year, practical steps were taken towards protecting the rights and freedoms of our citizens, evacuating them in connection with military conflicts, natural disasters and other crisis situations in foreign countries, as well as developing consular services provided to them.

It was noted that within the framework of the “Year of Heydar Aliyev,” various events were held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including by more than 80 of our diplomatic missions.

Detailed information was provided on the work carried out to improve the personnel recruitment process of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the competition process implemented at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.