Baku: Azerbaijan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a press conference on December 26 to discuss the outcomes of 2025, drawing local and international media representatives, as well as the leadership and heads of structural units of the Ministry.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov provided an overview of the year's foreign policy priorities, emphasizing efforts to safeguard national interests and the significant milestones achieved. He highlighted Azerbaijan's independent and pragmatic foreign policy amidst increasing geopolitical tensions and global security uncertainties, bolstered by internal stability and sustainable development.
Minister Bayramov stressed the importance of establishing sustainable peace in the region, marking the fifth anniversary of Azerbaijan's victory as a key foreign policy priority. He noted the normalization of relations with Armenia, underscored by a Joint Declaration signed by the leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and witnessed by the U.S. President, alongside the initialing of a draft agreement to establish peace and interstate relations.
The minister detailed Azerbaijan's diplomatic activities, including the signing of 191 documents with 41 countries and political consultations with 52 countries. He highlighted the importance of relations with neighboring countries, citing high-level visits from Trkiye, Iran, and Georgia, and collaborations with Russia.
Bayramov also discussed Azerbaijan's expanding diplomatic relations with Central Asian countries, European nations, and efforts to strengthen ties with the Asia-Pacific region, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas. He mentioned Azerbaijan's accession as a full member of the Consultative Council of the Heads of State of Central Asia, paving the way for enhanced strategic partnerships.
Further, the minister outlined Azerbaijan's active roles in international organizations, including its chairmanship of the CICA, Troika membership in NAM, and successful ECO Summit outcomes. The ECO Week in Azerbaijan led to the establishment of a Clean Energy Center, and agreements were reached to create D-8 strategic centers in Azerbaijan.
Bayramov highlighted the expansion of Azerbaijan's diplomatic presence with the opening of embassies in Thailand and Oman, and the resumption of activities in Syria after a 13-year hiatus. He emphasized economic diplomacy's role in strengthening Azerbaijan as a key transport, energy, digital, and trade hub.
The minister also addressed efforts to raise international awareness of Azerbaijan's mine problem and the fate of missing citizens. Humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and Syria, as well as international aid programs, were also discussed.
Concluding the session, Minister Bayramov answered questions from media representatives, reflecting on Azerbaijan's active work in public diplomacy and communication to convey its foreign policy positions.