Aliyev: Azerbaijan is ready to build trust with Armenia through small steps

Azerbaijan is ready to take steps to create trust with Armenia, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said during the “Toward a New World Order” international forum held in Baku.

“Of course, we do not imagine how we will immediately make friends with Armenia; that is unrealistic. It is premature to even talk about economic integration. However, we are ready to start working in small steps toward building trust,” Aliyev stated.

He noted that Georgian partners recently proposed several similar initiatives to Baku. “We responded positively and are awaiting the Armenian side’s stance. If everything goes well, small steps can be taken,” the Azerbaijani president said, citing the example of reciprocal visits by journalists and joint meetings on cross-border rivers between the two countries.

Aliyev added that Azerbaijan has adopted strategic partnership declarations with many countries, allowing it to play a bridging role between the Central Asian region and Europe.

“Although there are those in Europe who would prefer to isolate Azerbaijan not only from this process but also to draw dividing lines in the Caucasus, especially in the South Caucasus, these attempts will not end in success,” the Azerbaijani president said.