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international

Azerbaijan at the crossroads

of regional Geopolitics

A Conversation with
Elchin

Amirbayov

Representative of the President
of Azerbaijan

In a wide-ranging discussion at the Geneva Even during periods of heightened tension —
based United Nations Press Corps Association particularly following last year’s tragic incident
(ACANU) on the 4th December 2025, His that resulted in the loss of innocent lives —
Excellency Elchin Amirbayov, Representative cooperation has not halted.
of the President of Azerbaijan for Special
Assignments, offered a nuanced view of “As noted during the meeting between our
Azerbaijan’s evolving regional role and its leaders this past October in Dushanbe, economic
relations with key international partners. Despite and trade relations continued to develop. The
the complexity of the geopolitical environment, dynamics remain positive,” Amirbayov explained.
Amirbayov underscored that Azerbaijan’s multi- Legal frameworks governing cooperation across
vectorial foreign policy, aimed at preserving multiple sectors have provided continuity and
its strategic autonomy, remains anchored in stability.
national interests, mutual respect, and pragmatic
cooperation. He expressed confidence that the political
momentum generated during the above-
Russia–Azerbaijan Relations: Stability Amid mentioned most recent high-level contact would
Contradictions serve as a renewed impulse for normalizaing
Responding to a question about the current state realtions and strengthening interaction.
of relations between Russia and Azerbaijan —
often portrayed as unstable or contradictory in “We hope this momentum will allow us to
international media — Amirbayov emphasized further develop our relations for the benefit of
that the bilateral relationship must be understood both nations, grounded in mutual interests, our
in its full historical and strategic context. shared history, and today’s economic realities.”

“Azerbaijan builds its relations with all partners The North–South Corridor: Azerbaijan’s
based on its national interests and on mutual Strategic Role
respect,” he said. “This applies fully to our Turning to regional connectivity, Amirbayov
relations with the Russian Federation, a strategic highlighted Azerbaijan’s pivotal position at
partner with whom we share a long and rich the crossroads of East and West, North and
history at both state and societal levels.” South — a geography that naturally places the

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