Speaking at 37th meeting of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of GUAM, the minsister noted that the resolution of the Karabakh conflict opens up new perspectives for regional cooperation, development, and prosperity through normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Minister Bayramov outlined that the 10 November 2020 joint statement has been further complemented with a trilateral Azerbaijan-Russia-Armenia statement of 11 January 2021, which specifically deals with opening of communications in the region.

Trilateral working group dealing with the opening of communications has started to work on concrete directions in the region, said the minister, adding. “Despite the fact that opening of communications can be a critical and achievable breakthrough, Armenia attempts to prevent progress by obstructing negotiations and resorting to delaying tactics.”

“We remain constructively engaged in the process and seized of the matter. It is crystal clear that re-vitalization of communications will significantly boost trade and transportation through Armenia and Azerbaijan for the benefit both of these countries and our partners. It will be a significant factor of normalization and play its positive role for laying down the conditions for sustainable peace and stability in the region and beyond,” he said.

The top diplomat stressed that rehabilitation, reconstruction and reintegration activities in the liberated Azerbaijani territories are in a full swing.

“Our vision for post-conflict reconstruction is centered on our people’s needs and priorities.  Securing political, legal, economic, and social conditions needed for livelihoods and dignity of IDPs are among our top priorities. Azerbaijan is resolute to re-integrate its citizens of Armenian origin residing in conflict-affected territories into its political, social, economic space, guaranteeing the same rights and freedoms with all the citizens of Azerbaijan regardless of their ethnic, religious affiliation,” he said.

Minister Bayramov emphasized that massive mine contamination of the liberated territories seriously impedes the realization of wide-ranging rehabilitation and reconstruction plans the Government of Azerbaijan has embarked on.

“Most importantly, it affects the realization of inalienable right of the hundreds of thousands of IDPs to return to their homes in safety and dignity,” he concluded.

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