Jeyhun Bayramov meets with head of ICRC Office in Azerbaijan 

On July 14, 2023, a meeting took place between Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Dragana Kojic, Head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Delegation in Azerbaijan, Report informs, citing the ministry.

The issues of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the ICRC, the latest situation at the Lachin border checkpoint, as well as the work of the ICRC in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, were discussed during the meeting.

Regarding the latest situation on the operation of the Lachin border checkpoint, Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said that, in addition to the firing at the checkpoint on June 15, the efforts of Armenian-origin drivers to bring contraband products to Azerbaijan in the vehicles belonging to the International Committee of the Red Cross are part of Armenian side’s attempts to interfere with the sovereignty of Azerbaijan, and indicates no intention to abandon illegal activities.

It was noted and commended that the ICRC in its statement of July 11 informed that they do not support the activities of transporting undeclared products and that the service contracts of the drivers of vehicles carrying such cargoes are terminated. It was emphasized that it is necessary to prevent such cases in the future.
During the discussions, Minister Jeyhun Bayramov stated the possibility of continuing the passage of Armenian residents through the border checkpoint for medical purposes with the support of the ICRC, following the necessary rules.

Regarding the supply needs of the Armenian residents, the possibility to provide assistance by the Azerbaijani side using the Aghdam-Khankendi road was reminded.

During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest.