Why do land borders remain closed?

The military confrontation between Israel and Iran has once again brought to the agenda the issue of Azerbaijan's closed land borders. Even those who previously expressed dissatisfaction about the border closures now recognize the validity of this step and express support for the policy implemented by the Azerbaijani government in this direction.

The US participation in Israel's airstrikes on Iran, as well as Tehran's retaliatory strikes on Israel, indicate that tensions in the region are likely to persist for a long time. This, in turn, poses a threat to the national security of Azerbaijan, which is in close proximity to the conflict zone.

In this context, keeping land borders closed acquires strategic importance in terms of protecting the country's national interests. The geopolitical upheavals in the region once again prove how well-thought-out and strategically justified was the decision made five years ago to close the borders due to the spread of the pandemic, which remains in force to this day.

To the north and south of Azerbaijan, military conflicts and high tensions are currently observed. Airstrikes, drone attacks, attacks on nuclear facilities in neighboring countries could lead to even larger regional upheavals.

In this regard, opening the borders could lead to a massive influx of migrants, destabilization of the socio-political situation, and disruption of the socio-economic balance in the country.

Furthermore, closed borders prevent various provocations, radical groups, and intelligence networks from unstable neighboring states from penetrating Azerbaijan, minimizing ideological influence from outside. This also helps ensure the security and social stability of the population living in border areas.

Considering that Azerbaijan recently ended a military confrontation with Armenia - the occupying country - and still faces a number of threats, it is difficult to overestimate the importance of closed borders for national security.

President Ilham Aliyev has repeatedly raised this topic in his speeches, emphasizing that Azerbaijan's internal stability and public security are a priority, and they are the foundation of decisions on border-related issues:

"As a person who deals with national security issues daily, I can say that after closing the borders, we received serious benefits for national security - and this is reality. Yes, people should take this into account. We understand that this causes concern for residents of Azerbaijan, as well as Azerbaijanis and representatives of other nationalities living in neighboring countries, but national security should stand above all other feelings or reasons. Especially in conditions where we have war in the north and crisis in the south."

(From a speech at the international forum "COP29 and Green Vision for Azerbaijan," held on April 23 at ADA University)

At the same time, this does not mean that Azerbaijan remains indifferent to the humanitarian situation developing in neighboring countries. As always, official Baku shows special sensitivity to humanitarian issues and actively participates in relevant processes. A vivid confirmation of this is the recent evacuation of foreign citizens from Iran through Azerbaijan's territory to their home countries.

Report News Agency