BAKU, Azerbaijan April 20. Switzerland can
provide Azerbaijan with know-how in renewable energy sphere,
Ambassador Pierre-Yves Fux, Head of the Eurasia Division at the
Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, said in an exclusive
interview with Trend, as he has recently visited Azerbaijan.
"During my visit, I had the honour to meet with Jeyhun Bayramov,
Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, and to hold political consultations
with my counterpart. A wide range of issues related to bilateral
political, economic, and trade relations were the focus of our
exchange. We also touched upon ongoing regional developments,
including regional security, the normalization process between
Azerbaijan and Armenia, and issues related to the post-conflict
situation. These prospects are important for Switzerland.
Therefore, I also visited Yerevan," he said.
Pierre-Yves Fux pointed out that Azerbaijan and Switzerland
enjoy longstanding, trustful and dynamic relations.
"There are regular high-level contacts between our heads of
state and ministers, ensuring continuous dialogue. We have also
benefited from decades of good cooperation within the framework of
the Bretton Woods institutions and with international cooperation.
As you might know, last year Switzerland became one of the main
export destinations for Azerbaijan’s non-oil products. It means
Switzerland has become the fastest-growing export destination for
Azerbaijan’s non-fossil fuel products. Thus, my country meets
Azerbaijan’s aspiration to diversify its exports. As Azerbaijan
plays an increasing role as a bridge between East and West and due
to its geographic location, it has become an essential part of
transit and transport projects. As a result, we see Swiss companies
showing interest in Azerbaijan," he added.
Ambassador Pierre-Yves Fux also talked about opportunities for
cooperation between the two countries in renewable energy, energy
efficiency, and climate technologies.
"Already before our recent exchanges in Baku, I was aware that
the fields you mention are among the priorities of the Azerbaijani
government. Both countries have strong, complementary strengths in
these fields. Switzerland offers advanced clean technologies,
innovation, and sustainable finance, while Azerbaijan has large
renewable energy potential and a strategic goal to transition its
energy sector. Switzerland can provide the know-how to make this a
mutually beneficial partnership in the energy transition," he
added.
Pierre-Yves Fux pointed out that his country has experience in
many fields and there is clear potential to expand the presence of
Swiss companies in Azerbaijan in both traditional and emerging
sectors.
"Environmental technologies, education, research and innovation
are areas where Switzerland has globally recognized expertise.
Decisions in this respect are taken by the stakeholders.
Authorities, diplomats and other officials work as much as possible
together to enhance frame conditions and to facilitate
cooperation," he said.
As for the prospects for opening direct flights between
Switzerland and Azerbaijan, Ambassador Pierre-Yves Fux noted that
his country would welcome direct flights.
"I recall that such connections have existed in the past. The
Embassy of Switzerland in Baku has also discussed this issue in
meetings with the relevant authorities. It goes without saying that
direct flights always provide better conditions for business and
people-to-people contacts. But companies have their own business
interests, and it is up to them to decide whether to operate direct
flights. The Swiss government is ready to provide any support that
contributes to the development of bilateral ties in all fields," he
added.
