Demonstration of independent politics - PHOTO

The official visit of Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov to Kyiv confirmed the strategic partnership and unwavering political support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

This is the first trip by Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister to Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale conflict with Russia, which underscores its high diplomatic and symbolic significance, writes the newspaper "Caspiy".

During the visit, Baku's firm position on recognizing Ukraine's borders was reaffirmed, and the need for the earliest possible diplomatic resolution of the conflict based on international law was stated.

Significance of the visit

Jeyhun Bayramov's visit first to Moscow and then to Kyiv reflects Azerbaijan's classic balancing strategy amid a complex geopolitical crisis. Although such a diplomatic trajectory minimizes the risks of one-sided dependence, it is fraught with a number of potential challenges. On the other hand, it is a demonstration of an independent policy that everyone will have to reckon with.

The trip demonstrated Baku's ability to conduct sovereign foreign policy and support allies despite a complex geopolitical backdrop. Moreover, the visit confirmed the reliability of Azerbaijani capital in Ukraine and opened opportunities for more active involvement of construction and engineering companies from Azerbaijan in post-war reconstruction.

Jeyhun Bayramov held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, as well as with the leadership of the Presidential Office and the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC). In other words, he was received at the highest level.

Thus, the strategic dialogue between Baku and Kyiv has been established as an important factor of predictability in Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus.

Results of the negotiations

On the humanitarian track, the parties noted Azerbaijan's contribution, which since 2022 has provided Ukraine with humanitarian and energy assistance totaling more than 50 million US dollars. Successful Azerbaijani initiatives in reconstructing critical infrastructure in Irpin and rehabilitation programs for Ukrainian children were highlighted. Jeyhun Bayramov personally visited Irpin at the beginning of the visit. Baku officially committed to financing the restoration of the destroyed House of Culture in the twin city of our Lachin. The Azerbaijani side had previously already completed major renovations of Lyceum No. 12 and the central polyclinic there.

During the meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky, issues of cooperation in energy, the oil and gas sector, agriculture, and defense cooperation were discussed. The Ukrainian leader expressed deep gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev and the government of Azerbaijan for humanitarian support of his country.