FM Bayramov, UN representative mull regional situation in post-conflict period

Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with Miguel Angel Moratinos, the Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) on the sidelines of the high-level week of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, Report informs, citing Azerbaijan’s MFA.

The meeting discussed issues on the current cooperation agenda between Azerbaijan and UNAOC, future plans and joint projects, as well as the current situation in the region in the post-conflict period. The successful and productive cooperation between Azerbaijan and UNAOC was highlighted, and the high representative's personal contribution to the development of the cooperation dynamics was highlighted.

Azerbaijan's role in intercultural dialogue was mentioned, and the importance of joint projects implemented in this regard was discussed. Moratinos was thoroughly informed about the current situation and realities in the region in the post-conflict period, as well as the normalization and peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

It was expressed that during the nearly 30-year occupation of Azerbaijan's territories, the country faced large-scale and destructive consequences not only in the humanitarian field but also in the cultural sphere, with Azerbaijani cultural heritage being deliberately looted, destroyed, and illegally altered.

"Despite the severe humanitarian consequences of the occupation period, it was noted that Azerbaijan immediately initiated a peace agenda after the end of the conflict and has been the most active party in advancing the normalization process. The existence of several open issues hindering the signing of a peace agreement, particularly the ongoing territorial claims against our country in various legislative acts of Armenia, including its Constitution, which impede the progress of the peace agenda, was highlighted. During the meeting, views were also exchanged on other bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual interest," MFA said.