Hikmat Hajiyev: Abu Dhabi talks between Azerbaijani and Armenian leaders were constructive

The meeting in Abu Dhabi between the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia is assessed by Baku as having taken place in a constructive and business-like environment, Hikmat Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan - Head of the Department of Foreign Policy Affairs of the Presidential Administration, told journalists within the framework of the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum.

"One of the key features of the negotiations was that they were held without the participation of any mediators or third parties," said Hajiyev.

He emphasized that the meeting in Abu Dhabi confirmed that negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia "are taking place on a full-fledged basis, directly, without the involvement of mediators."

"We believe that this format allowed the parties to achieve significant progress. In particular, positive developments were achieved in coordinating the text of the peace agreement, as well as in the border delimitation process. Overall, there is positive momentum toward strengthening regional stability," noted Hajiyev.

According to him, the conclusion of a peace treaty was also discussed at the meeting in Abu Dhabi.

"Azerbaijan, based on the principle of creative diplomacy, proposed initialing the document. Of course, there are sensitive issues that need to be taken into account. In particular, this concerns the Constitution of Armenia, which contains provisions that contradict the spirit of peaceful settlement. Issues related to the final liquidation of the OSCE Minsk Group also remain unresolved. Until these steps are implemented, the topic of initialing the document remains subject to further discussions," he explained.

Responding to a question about the possibility of signing a peace treaty between Baku and Yerevan by the end of the year, Hajiyev noted: "It is difficult to give a definitive forecast at this time."