Hikmat Hajiyev: Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia seek to develop strong strategic relations

Azerbaijan is in the process of establishing a robust strategic relationship with Saudi Arabia, Hikmat Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Head of Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, said in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat published on August 2, Report informs.

“The relationship between our two countries can aptly be described as one of friendship, brotherhood, and partnership,” he noted.

“My visit comes within the framework of enhancing the deep bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan, and furthering cooperation across various fields and exploring new opportunities,” said Hajiyev.

“The Azerbaijani people deeply appreciate and hold in high esteem the unwavering stance of our sister nation, Saudi Arabia, in condemning the military aggression by Armenia against Azerbaijan.”

Furthermore, Hajiyev affirmed that Azerbaijan unequivocally condemns missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, viewing them as unacceptable acts.

As for relations between Baku and Riyadh, the presidential advisor said they were "evolving day by day."

"Tourism is one of the crucial sectors for us, with the number of direct flights between Azerbaijan and the Kingdom on the rise," revealed Hajiyev.

In 2022, around 100,000 Saudi nationals visited Azerbaijan.

"We anticipate further progress, as a matter of fact, we aspire to advance our relations with Saudi Arabia in economic and trade sectors, increase investments, and collaborate in areas such as agriculture and food security," Hajiyev told Asharq Al-Awsat.

He expected Saudi companies to actively participate in the reconstruction process of the liberated lands in Azerbaijan.

Additionally, Hajiyev expressed anticipation for collaboration with Riyadh in the renewable energy sector, citing Saudi company ACWA Power investing in Azerbaijan.

Regarding future energy security, Hajiyev remarked: "Azerbaijan is a traditional exporter of carbon hydrogen energy."

"However, as announced by the President of Azerbaijan, the country is now transitioning to producing and exporting green energy."

This is part of the country’s economic diversification strategy, explained Hajiyev.

"Azerbaijan holds immense potential in green energy," he said, adding that his country is currently advancing international cooperation in this field.

On whether Azerbaijan is seeking to join OPEC, Hajiyev noted that his country has the OPEC formula which has provided an opportunity for cooperation between both Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia to contribute to the stability of oil prices, ensuring the proper balance between supply and demand.

"We actively collaborate and contribute to matters related to the OPEC format," he said.

"In this regard, frequent reciprocal visits, meetings, and consultations between our energy ministers are of great significance," clarified Hajiyev.

As for Azerbaijan having any plans to develop and bolster ties with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Hajiyev said: "Azerbaijan has historical relations with members of the GCC, especially Saudi Arabia."

"We believe that establishing institutional cooperation between Gulf states and Azerbaijan is of paramount importance."

There exists an MoU outlining a consultation mechanism between the General Secretariat of the GCC and the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, he said.

"We can engage in a security dialogue between the Gulf states and Azerbaijan to address regional and international security matters."

"Furthermore, we require further collaboration in the realm of economic and trade relations, as well as expanding humanitarian cooperation," he told Asharq Al-Awsat.

When asked about his country’s relations with Iran, Hajiyev said: "Iran is Azerbaijan’s neighbor."

"Azerbaijan maintains relations with its neighbors based on principles of mutual respect for territorial integrity, sovereignty, and non-interference in internal affairs," he asserted.

"Azerbaijan and Iran share a historical neighborhood, but the recent attack on the Azerbaijani embassy in Iran and the killing of an embassy member have led to tension and misunderstanding in our relations," he noted.

"Diplomatic channels are currently engaged, and relevant Iranian officials are also visiting Azerbaijan."

"Dialogue continues at the foreign ministerial level to mitigate these tensions and misunderstandings," he added.