Azerbaijani president, OSCE chairman-in-office discuss cooperation, tensions with Armenia

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on Wednesday discussed cooperation and the recent tensions between Baku and Yerevan with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s (OSCE) chairman-in-office Bujar Osmani in the capital Baku.

“Expressing his gratitude for the reception, Bujar Osmani briefed the President of Azerbaijan on North Macedonia`s priorities as the OSCE Chairman-in-Office. … Recalling the OSCE`s support for North Macedonia as a member state, Bujar Osmani said that his country is currently trying to contribute to the solution of the issues on the agenda of this organization,” a statement by the Azerbaijani presidency read.

The statement said Osmani underlined that he acted based on the concept of “one society for all” in the domestic policy in North Macedonia and highlighted the projects implemented towards “ensuring reconciliation” in post-conflict conditions within the country and the region.

Osmani further noted that North Macedonia is ready to share the experience it gained in this regard with the South Caucasus region, according to the statement.

“The President of Azerbaijan stressed that the concept of ethnic reconciliation of North Macedonia and the Balkan region in general, the experience of reintegration and creation of inclusive society might be interesting for the South Caucasus as well,” the statement also said.

It said Aliyev recalled Azerbaijan's proposal to hold a meeting between Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia, further noting that he also informed Osmani about the current situation regarding the peace process between Baku and Yerevan, and the normalization of relations.

“The head of state mentioned the incident, which took place yesterday (Tuesday) on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, saying this is the provocation committed purposefully by Armenia,” it also said.

Three Azerbaijani soldiers were killed on Tuesday during an attack by Armenian forces in the Lachin district of the East Zangezur region.

Osmani noted that the OSCE might contribute to the demining efforts in Azerbaijan, as well as green port and other practical projects, the statement said, adding that Aliyev underlined Baku regards cooperation with the OSCE from a practical perspective.

“In this respect, the head of state said there is a possibility of looking into the capabilities for cooperation on transboundary rivers and implementation of practical and pragmatic cooperation projects concerning such concepts as humanitarian demining, green ports and Middle Corridor. The meeting also saw discussions on transport, energy and other issues regarding the Azerbaijan-North Macedonia bilateral cooperation,” the statement concluded.

Osmani on Monday commenced a four-day regional visit to the South Caucasus, during which he first met with Georgian officials in the capital Tbilisi before arriving in Azerbaijan on Wednesday. Osmani is also scheduled to visit Armenia before concluding his regional visit on Thursday.​​​​​​​