Aliyev and Scholz Discuss the Normalization Process between Azerbaijan and Armenia
On July 18, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met within the framework of the European Political Community summit in Oxford to discuss the normalization process between Baku and Yerevan. According to the website of the Azerbaijani President, Scholz expressed support for the peaceful agenda between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Previously, in April, a meeting between the President of Azerbaijan and the Prime Minister of Armenia took place with Scholz’s participation. Following this, with the support of Germany, a meeting of the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia was organized.
During the meeting with Scholz, Aliyev particularly noted the successes achieved in the delimitation and demarcation of borders, as part of the negotiation process between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The President of Azerbaijan also reported on the coordination of documents related to the delimitation process. Aliyev emphasized that Azerbaijan supports the peaceful agenda, the prompt signing of a peace treaty, and the peace process. However, he believes that first and foremost, the provisions in the Armenian constitution that contain territorial claims against Azerbaijan, particularly the annexation of the Karabakh region to Armenia, need to be changed.
Aliyev stated that Armenia’s territorial claims against Azerbaijan should end on a constitutional basis. It was highlighted that these issues were also discussed at the recent meeting of the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia, held in Washington with the support of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The meeting also discussed preparations for COP29. The cooperation between Azerbaijan and Germany in this area was approved and highly appreciated.
The head of the Azerbaijani state noted that in connection with COP29, Baku will continue efforts aimed at achieving consensus and enhancing solidarity between the countries of the world, particularly between the Global South and the Global North. The contribution of Azerbaijan to Europe’s energy security was also highly appreciated during the conversation. There was an exchange of views on various aspects of bilateral relations between Germany and Azerbaijan, and other issues of mutual interest were discussed.