BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 26. Strengthening
political dialogue, expanding trade and economic ties, promoting
mutual investment, and developing cooperation across various
sectors were discussed between Azerbaijan and the Netherlands.
This was stated in a statement issued by Azerbaijan’s Ministry
of Foreign Affairs following a meeting between Minister Jeyhun
Bayramov and Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen during the
latter’s visit to Azerbaijan.
During the meeting, the parties reviewed opportunities for
cooperation between the two countries in the political, economic,
energy, transport, and agricultural sectors, as well as in water
resource management, shipbuilding, innovation, and humanitarian
affairs.
Noting that 2027 will mark the 35th anniversary of the
establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and the
Netherlands, Bayramov emphasized their mutual interest in
strengthening existing ties and developing cooperation in new
areas.
The importance of high-level contacts and regular political
consultations between the foreign ministries of the two countries
in developing bilateral relations was also highlighted. The parties
also emphasized the need to step up efforts to expand
interparliamentary cooperation and improve the legal and
contractual framework.
During the meeting, the parties welcomed the adoption of a
roadmap for the development of Azerbaijan-Netherlands relations for
2026–2028. The significance of this document in deepening political
dialogue and expanding practical cooperation across various sectors
was highlighted.
The parties also discussed promoting mutual investment, making
effective use of the newly established Azerbaijan-Netherlands
Chamber of Commerce, strengthening ties between business
communities, and implementing joint projects.
Information was provided on Azerbaijan’s growing role in the
Middle Corridor, as well as the opportunities offered by the Baku
International Sea Trade Port and the Alat Free Economic Zone.
Emphasis was placed on the importance of expanding educational,
academic, and scientific cooperation, strengthening ties between
higher education institutions, organizing training programs, and
implementing joint initiatives in the cultural and humanitarian
spheres. The parties also exchanged views on cooperation between
Azerbaijan and the Netherlands within international organizations
and on other regional and international issues.
During discussions on the regional situation, Bayramov briefed
his counterpart on developments in the South Caucasus, the steps
taken toward normalizing relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia,
and the peace process.
Azerbaijan’s foreign minister emphasized the need to remove
provisions from the Armenian Constitution that contain territorial
claims against Azerbaijan as a prerequisite for signing the
initialed peace agreement.
Furthermore, information was provided on the large-scale
restoration and reconstruction efforts underway in Azerbaijan’s
territories liberated from occupation, as well as measures being
taken to ensure the safe and dignified return of former internally
displaced persons to their native lands.
The humanitarian challenges posed by landmines were also
addressed. The parties highlighted the importance of eliminating
the ongoing threat landmines pose to human life and the obstacles
they create for reconstruction efforts and the return of former
internally displaced persons.
Other bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest were also
discussed during the meeting.
