Azerbaijan says normalization with Armenia reflects commitment to regional peace

The normalization of relations with Armenia after years of conflict demonstrates Baku’s commitment to peace and stability in the region, Azerbaijani presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev said on Thusday.

Speaking at the first General Assembly of the Global South NGO Platform in Baku, Hajiyev said that six years ago a significant part of Azerbaijan’s territory had still been under occupation.

“Our country experienced foreign military aggression, occupation, destruction of cultural monuments, ethnic cleansing and the large-scale devastation of cities,” he said.

Hajiyev said Azerbaijan had succeeded in ending the situation, restoring its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and launching a process of cooperation and engagement with Armenia.

“This reflects our goodwill and readiness to shape new realities in the region,” he said, adding that Baku intended to continue playing an active role in strengthening peace in the South Caucasus.