Baku: During German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s official visit to Azerbaijan on April 2, discussions were held addressing Germany-Azerbaijan relations, regional and global challenges, and critical aspects of the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Zaur Mammadov, a political scientist and advisor at the Academy of Public Administration, emphasized that Steinmeier’s visit to Armenia and Azerbaijan serves as a familiarization tour of the region. He noted that Germany-Azerbaijan relations should be seen in both a bilateral context and within the framework of European Union-Azerbaijan relations. Mammadov expressed confidence that Germany’s leadership could present a fair and objective stance on regional issues during international meetings.
President Ilham Aliyev highlighted Azerbaijan’s victory in the 44-day Patriotic War, which he believes paved the way for peace talks with Armenia. Aliyev stressed that Azerbaijan’s lands were occupied for 30 years, leading to ethnic cleansing and homelessness for one million Azerbaijanis. Despite the lack of tangible steps from international organizations, Azerbaijan resolved the conflict and restored international law, setting the stage for peace negotiations.
Political scientist Zaur Mammadov pointed out that, for the first time in a century, Azerbaijan and Armenia have reached an agreement on contentious issues. He noted that there is now an agreement on all provisions of a peace treaty between the two states, and Armenia recognizes Garabagh as part of Azerbaijan. German President Steinmeier expressed optimism that the agreement on the peace treaty’s text will soon lead to a formal signing, urging both sides to seize the moment for lasting peace.
President Aliyev reiterated Azerbaijan’s demands for a peace agreement, emphasizing the need for the dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group and the amendment of Armenia’s constitution. He argued that these conditions are necessary to eliminate territorial claims and ensure a stable peace process. Mammadov highlighted that these demands have been central to Azerbaijan’s foreign policy since the 44-day war.
German President Steinmeier supported Azerbaijan’s position, stating that the conditions should not obstruct achieving lasting peace. According to Mammadov, Steinmeier’s statement signifies support for Azerbaijan’s rightful position, suggesting that Germany should pressure Armenia to accept these conditions swiftly to finalize the peace agreement.