Aliyev says Armenia–Azerbaijan relations move toward cooperation

Today, the South Caucasus is entering a new phase of development, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev told Euronews in Davos.

“We have lived in peace for only five or six months. We are learning this. Throughout our independent history, we have never lived in peace. And this is a unique feeling. And, of course, it is a wonderful opportunity. Today, relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan are already evolving into cooperation. We have lifted all restrictions on freight transport to Armenia. Furthermore, we have started supplying essential goods to Armenia, mainly petroleum products, on which the country is heavily dependent. And this is a mutually beneficial situation. Therefore, I believe that through joint efforts, including those of civil society, Armenia and Azerbaijan will achieve not only short-term but also lasting peace in the Caucasus. This is our goal,” Aliyev said.

He added that Azerbaijan had not cooperated with the European Parliament or the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe for years.

“We cooperate with the European Commission, and that is sufficient for us. But I believe the European Parliament puts itself in an awkward position by accusing us of things we have never done, including so-called aggressive behavior toward Armenia, while Armenia itself evaluates its relations with Azerbaijan. Last August, a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan was preliminarily signed at the White House. Therefore, I hope that members of the European Parliament will find the courage to reconsider their unfair policy toward Azerbaijan,” Aliyev stated.