Tahir Taghizadeh was born in the city of Nijni Novgorod in 1967. He received secondary education in Baku. Taghizadeh graduated from Moscow State Institute of International Relations with honor diploma. In 1990-1995 he worked in the consulate general of the USSR and later of Russia in the city of Brno, Czechoslovakia. He returned to Baku in 1995. Taghizadeh was appointed second secretary of Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry’s office in the US, Canada and Europe on January 1, 1996. Later he became head of Press and Information Department of the Foreign Ministry. President appointed Tahir Taghizadeh Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Czech Republic. He is married, speaks English, Czechian and Slovakian.
- What was your reaction to the appointment as ambassador? Delay of agrément caused rumors that Czechian government investigates whether you are linked to he State Security Committee as you worked in the USSR consulate general in Czechoslovakia.
- I did not expect the appointment, but hoped for it. There is saying “If a soldier does not target to be a general, he is a bad soldierâ€. General in diplomatic service is ambassador. There were rumors. I indeed worked in Czechoslovakia. Having graduated from Moscow State Institute of International Relations I worked in several diplomatic bodies of the former USSR. An ambassador’s candidacy is thoroughly investigated but I do not believe that my appointment was delayed because of the mentioned reasons. Generally, it is not right to clarify the appointment, this case is only in the president’s competence and to doubt his grounds and logics contradicts ethics. I think my new appointment comes from my sufficient activity in the Foreign Ministry. I will do my best not be reproached while fulfilling my duty. I have never considered myself the leader of diplomatic service, but will do my best to justify the trust in me.
- When is the embassy to start operating?
- We have a staff composed of seven members. There are four more diplomats and two technical employees. The Embassy has not yet rented a premise, the budget is being defined. I will take up my duties in mid next month. As I was busy with the organization of the OIC latest conference in Baku. I have just started to deal with the issues related to the embassy. Our ambassador to Vienna Fuad Ismayilov is representing Azerbaijan’s interests in the Czech Republic now.
- Is Czechia going to open its embassy in Azerbaijan?
- This is to be one of my main duties. Czechia’s ambassador to Georgia doubles for Azerbaijan. There is need for carrying out activities in the field of establishing economic, cultural and political relations that are adequate to the potential opportunities of the two countries.
- In what aspect Czechia is interesting for Azerbaijan?
- Firstly, we have very similar ethno-geographical, geopolitical and state indicators-the territory and population. Czechia is in the center, intersection of Europe. Azerbaijan is in the intersection between the north and south, west and east. It brings both advantages and disadvantages. The advantageous point is that our geostrategic position makes us communication center. On the other hand, this position arouses envy by some others and that is disadvantage. We know from the history that any invader focuses on the countries with strategic positions, and it is a special challenge in the context of current globalization. So, Azerbaijan and Czechia face the same problems and challenges. Another common point is that Azerbaijan has declared its intention to integrate into the European Union and establish a strategic cooperation with NATO. Czechia is the member of both institutions.
- What are you to do to expand the relations between our countries?
- Establishing strong economic, cultural and political relations adequate to the potentials of the two countries. I particularly stress that as economic relations are in the first plan in today’s globalization and pragmatism. Ideological relationships present negative historical associations for Czechia, a part of the former Czechoslovakia. Because, it is ideology which caused the 1968 events in Czechoslovakia. We also suffered the similar tragedy on the 20th January in 1990 because of the ideology. I think the relations are to be based on pragmatic economic, humanitarian and cultural relations and the political cooperation is to develop on this basis.
- What is your assessment of current relations between Azerbaijan and Czechia?
- I think the current situation of relations does not reflect existing potential. I regret to say our relations in economic sphere are sporadic, slow in cultural-humanitarian field. Political contacts contradict real opportunities.
- Products of Czechia particularly, shoes, kitchen utensils and luster have always been in great need in Azerbaijan. Can these two countries organize joint production of these products?
- Development of mutual relations, launch of joint enterprises is an integral part of active economic relations and we as Embassy should look upon it as one of the many duties. The Embassy’s’ role in this issue lies in searching interested parties and create a basis, firstly a legal basis for further joint activity. I think the joint production of luster, shoes, and beer can be organized. Such relations can have many-sided impact on bilateral relations. This means the development of relations both between the countries and their peoples. As we know business is carried out by human beings but not robots. Such kind of relations is efficient in the development of tourism ties. Azerbaijan and Czechia are very attractive and interesting countries in terms of tourism. Azerbaijanis’ interest for such prominent resorts of Czechia as Karlovy-Vary, Maerianske Lazne winter resort should be renewed. All of these factors will catalyze the development of political cooperation.
- In what way does the Embassy cooperate with Diaspora?
- There is AzerCzech community in the Czech Republic. It organized events on the 15th anniversary of Khojaly tragedy with participation of Foreign Ministry’s representatives in February. The organization of coordinated activity with Diaspora is one of the major goals of Embassy, the course carried out by Azerbaijani leadership with Azerbaijanis worldwide. Our Diaspora has carried out effective and successful activity while Azerbaijani Embassy was not operating in Czechia. Diaspora sometimes does the work that Embassy is not able to do. At the same time, the Embassy enjoys its diplomatic status and represents Azerbaijan with dignity. That is why, I believe we will do successful and effective works for the sake of joint goals. That will lead to the popularization of Azerbaijan and development of Azerbaijan–Czechia relations.
- Will you keep up the friendship with media?
- Taking into consideration the character and specificity of the media I have to say that our friendship will always develop. If there is no friendship, hostility emerges. Certainly, our friendship will be kept up. /APA/
Tahir Taghizadeh: My major duty is contribute to establishment of economic, cultural and political relations adequate to the potentials of Czechia and Azerbaijan
16 May 2007 10:34 (UTC +04:00)
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