Berlin, 9 June 2023 (TDI): In an effort to foster enhanced political dialogue between Azerbaijan and Germany, Khalaf Khalafov, the deputy foreign minister of Azerbaijan, embarked on a visit to Germany on the 7th and 8th of June 2023.
During this visit, the deputy foreign minister aimed to engage in substantive discussions with his German counterparts, with a specific focus on strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Representing Germany’s interests at these pivotal political discussions was Matthias Lüttenberg, the Director for Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia, who led the German delegation.
During the visit, several significant meetings took place between the Azerbaijani delegation and key German officials, including Wolfgang Zilbermann, the state secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Christian Aulbach, the head of the Department of Foreign and Security Policy within the Federal Chancellor’s Administration, and Zuzanne Baumann.
These constructive discussions served as a platform for both parties to assess the current state of Azerbaijan-Germany relations and explore potential avenues for further enhancing bilateral cooperation.
Recognizing the immense possibilities for collaboration, particular emphasis was placed on sectors such as green energy, transportation, communication, industry, and investment.
Moreover, the conference provided a valuable opportunity to deliberate on the prospects of increased collaboration within international organizations, as well as exchanges in the fields of education, culture, and humanitarian efforts.
During these engagements, the parties also engaged in fruitful conversations on matters of mutual interest in the international arena, with a specific focus on regional security concerns.
In addition, reviewing international initiatives for achieving long-term peace, enhancing stability and security in the area, and normalizing Azerbaijan-Armenia relations received much attention.
A lot of information was provided to the German side during the discussions regarding Armenia’s conflicting positions in its approaches to the peace process, including, in some cases, the steps that violate the peace process and Armenia’s failure to uphold its obligations under the tripartite statement.
The delegation from Azerbaijan also noted ongoing development and rehabilitation initiatives in areas freed from Azerbaijani rule. They also emphasized plans to make it easier for people to return to their homes and get more international backing for humanitarian demining activities in Azerbaijan.
The delegation highlighted concrete actions to reintegrate Armenian Karabakh people into Azerbaijan’s legal, economic, and social fabric while underlining Armenia’s counterproductive actions.
The group from Azerbaijan visiting Germany demonstrates how committed both countries remain to developing high-level bilateral ties and looking for opportunities for sectoral cooperation. The conversations had during this diplomatic exchange paved the way for a more solidified collaboration and understanding between Azerbaijan and Germany.
