Tofig Zulfugarov: Russia�s Friendship with Both Sides Impossible

Baku / 28.12.18 / Turan: Former Foreign Minister Tofig Zulfugarov in an interview with the Chetin Sual (Difficult Question) program of the Turan news agency commented on the foreign policy results of 2018.

Among the important foreign policy events of 2018, Zulfugarov named in particular the signing of the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea. The document was signed after negotiations lasting 20 years. "Of course, this is not the end of the process, discussions on a number of issues will continue. However, certain limits have already been established," said Zulfugarov.

As another important event, he called the launch of the TANAP gas pipeline, which is an important trans-regional project that enhances the international authority of Azerbaijan.

From the same series, Zulfugarov named the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway launched earlier.

Among other events of the year, the diplomat called even greater intensification of relations between Azerbaijan and the United States.

"A very important issue was the strengthening of ties between Azerbaijan and the Russian Federation and the acquisition of a more intensive bilateral dialogue," continued Zulfugarov.

The change of power in Armenia has become an event affecting the foreign policy of Azerbaijan, he added. This created hope in general for the change of the geopolitical situation in the South Caucasus.

Although, as Zulfugarov noted, no one in Azerbaijan believes in the results of the negotiations, however, events in Armenia seriously influence the geopolitical situation and the balance of power centers in the region.

The settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict will also be affected by the further aggravation of relations between the countries of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs - the United States and Russia.

As for the progress towards the integration of Azerbaijan with the West, then, according to Zulfugarov, Baku prefers partnership relations.

"Why? Because Azerbaijan, as a partner, wants to take something from the West and is ready to provide something. In this sense, economic projects lay a great foundation for strengthening ties with the West. As a result of these projects, we become even closer to Europe. They see us better and value us," the diplomat said.

In this sense, he noted the importance of a deeper elaboration of the new agreement on cooperation between Azerbaijan and the EU, negotiations on which are continuing. He was optimistic about the prospects of the new agreement.

Zulfugarov pointed to the active development of relations with the CIS countries. At the same time, in relations with Russia, the main criterion is Karabakh. "I believe that the position of Russia is very important in this matter. Economic, humanitarian and other issues can be very easily resolved. As for the Karabakh issue, the big problem for Azerbaijan is the provision of security guarantees to Armenia. Looking at the current events, you can see the basis for optimism. But how events will develop further, causes a question. However, I want to note the fact that the waiting period lasts too long. That is, Russia cannot be a friend of both sides. In any case, the wait-and-see position on the part of Azerbaijan cannot last long," Zulfugarov said.

Regarding foreign policy priorities for 2019, the main priority is of course the settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict. The second direction is strengthening the economic and political role of Azerbaijan in the world, or at least in the region. The third direction is the strengthening of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkey, and the fourth is the solution of problems with Russia. "First of all, I mean the Karabakh theme," Zulfugarov explained. The fifth is the strengthening of Azerbaijan"s relations with the EU. And the sixth direction is strengthening ties with the United States, which causes some questions. To strengthen the relationship should be the desire of both parties. For the time being, US policy in the region is not completely clear to Azerbaijan. If the US administration intends to develop ties, and takes concrete steps, this may be important," Zulfugarov summed up. -06D--