Jeyhun Bayramov, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, held an expanded meeting with Ignazio Cassis, Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation, OSCE Chairman-in-Office, who is on an official visit to the country.

During the meeting, the FMs discussed the Azerbaijan-Switzerland bilateral agenda, the priorities of Switzerland's OSCE Chairpersonship, the current state, and future prospects of Azerbaijan-OSCE cooperation, as well as the post-conflict situation in the region and the Azerbaijan-Armenia normalization process.

The meeting highlighted that next year marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Switzerland, with both viewing this milestone anniversary as an opportunity to review the partnership developed over the past period.

The officials stressed the importance of maintaining high-level contacts and regular political consultations between their foreign ministries. In this context, they noted the significance of the last round of political consultations held in Baku in April of this year, underscoring the need for continuing this mechanism on a regular basis.

The discussions centered on expanding economic cooperation, with a particular focus on the activities of the Joint Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation.

Describing the energy sector as a key pillar of bilateral economic relations, the parties highlighted the successful operations of SOCAR Energy in Switzerland as a prime example of mutually beneficial cooperation.

The ministers also highlighted the significance of enhancing cooperation across the cultural, educational, and scientific domains to strengthen humanitarian ties.

Discussions highlighted Switzerland's OSCE Chairmanship priorities. Azerbaijan welcomed the Chairmanship's focus on science and diplomacy, innovative technologies, water resource management, energy security, and digital security, noting their essential role in addressing modern challenges.

Minister Jeyhun Bayramov noted that amid the increasingly complex security environment across the OSCE region, the Organization must fully leverage its comprehensive security concept and broad membership to maintain its relevance in addressing regional challenges. He reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s support for effective multilateralism based on sovereign equality, mutual respect, inclusive dialogue, and consensus.

Touching upon the Azerbaijan-Armenia normalization process, FM Bayramov briefed his counterpart on the current stage of the peace process, the de facto peace established between the two countries, and the ongoing confidence-building measures. He underlined that the progress achieved through the bilateral format reaffirms the effectiveness of this approach.

Regarding cooperation with the OSCE, Minister Bayramov reiterated Azerbaijan’s readiness to pursue practical collaboration in mutually beneficial areas where the Organization possesses relevant experience and can provide added value.

FM Jeyhun Bayramov highlighted the extensive contamination of Azerbaijani territories by landmines and other explosive remnants of war, describing it as a critical humanitarian crisis facing the country. The minister stressed the importance of practical support from the OSCE, within its mandate and capabilities, to help address this challenge.

During the meeting, the parties also exchanged views on the situation around Ukraine, developments in the Middle East, as well as other regional and international security matters.