Foreign

Interview of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Palestine to Azerbaijan, Ahmad Metani, to APA

 Azerbaijan’s experience in post-conflict reconstruction and its growing global role provide valuable opportunities for cooperation with Palestine

- Mr. Ambassador, you have been in Azerbaijan for some time now and have met with several officials. Which topics have been most central in your discussions?

- Our discussions with Azerbaijani officials have consistently focused on strengthening the bilateral relationship between the State of Palestine and the Republic of Azerbaijan. The most central topics include enhancing political coordination in international forums, expanding educational and cultural cooperation, and deepening economic and development partnerships. We have also paid particular attention to humanitarian collaboration, especially regarding the reconstruction of Gaza and the support for Palestinian institutions affected by the ongoing crisis. Additionally, climate diplomacy and cooperation within multilateral frameworks such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the United Nations remain key pillars of our engagement. Azerbaijan’s experience in post-conflict reconstruction and its growing global role provide valuable opportunities for cooperation with Palestine, both in rebuilding critical infrastructure and in developing human capital through education and training.

Azerbaijan has demonstrated consistent support for the rights of the Palestinian people in international forums

- Since the establishment of the Palestinian Representation Office in Azerbaijan, what notable changes have occurred in the bilateral relations between the two countries?

- Since the opening of the Palestinian Representation Office in Azerbaijan, bilateral relations have evolved significantly, both in depth and scope. What began as diplomatic representation has developed into a multidimensional partnership encompassing political, educational, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation.Azerbaijan has demonstrated consistent support for the rights of the Palestinian people in international forums, including the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Non-Aligned Movement. At the same time, Palestine has supported Azerbaijan’s initiatives within these same frameworks, reflecting mutual respect and solidarity. On the practical level, we have expanded academic cooperation Azerbaijani universities now host Palestinian students through scholarships and there is growing interest in joint cultural projects and public diplomacy. Furthermore, both sides have enhanced coordination on humanitarian and reconstruction initiatives, particularly in response to the situation in Gaza. These developments highlight that Palestinian–Azerbaijani relations are not limited to protocol or symbolism, but are rooted in shared values of justice, sovereignty, and mutual support We extend our deep appreciation to His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev, the Government of Azerbaijan, and the Azerbaijani people for their continued support and generosity toward Palestine. Under the wise leadership of President Aliyev, Azerbaijan has demonstrated humanitarian commitment, principled solidarity, and consistent advocacy for justice and peace, all of which are deeply valued by the Palestinian leadership and people.

Establishment of a Palestine–Azerbaijan Business Council are explored

- What initiatives are being considered or implemented to further expand and strengthen Palestinian-Azerbaijani relations?

- We are currently working on several initiatives aimed at deepening and diversifying Palestinian–Azerbaijani relations. One key priority is to enhance academic and educational cooperation, including new scholarship opportunities for Palestinian students, joint research programs, and institutional partnerships between universities in both countries. Another area of focus is economic and development cooperation, where we seek to attract Azerbaijani investment in key sectors such as renewable energy, construction, and digital technology. In this regard, we are exploring the establishment of a Palestine–Azerbaijan Business Council to facilitate private-sector partnerships and promote mutual trade opportunities.On the diplomatic and cultural fronts, both countries are planning joint cultural exhibitions, media cooperation, and youth exchange programs to foster people-to-people connections and mutual understanding. Additionally, we are working closely with Azerbaijani ministries on climate diplomacy and sustainable development .These initiatives reflect our shared commitment to strengthening the foundations of friendship, solidarity, and cooperation between our two nations.

 For us, Azerbaijan’s voice carries particular moral weight because it comes from a country that understands the importance of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and justice

- Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister has emphasized at the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers’ extraordinary sessions on Gaza that Azerbaijan supports a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Does this position align with your expectations and the Palestinian perspective?

- Azerbaijan’s position in support of the two-state solution is fully consistent with the legitimate aspirations and official stance of the State of Palestine. The two-state solution, based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Palestine, remains the internationally endorsed framework for achieving a just and lasting peace.We deeply value Azerbaijan’s principled and balanced position, expressed consistently in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the United Nations. Such support reflects Azerbaijan’s commitment to international law, the UN Charter, and the protection of the rights of peoples under occupation. For us, Azerbaijan’s voice carries particular moral weight because it comes from a country that understands the importance of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and justice. We view this shared understanding as a solid foundation for continued cooperation and joint diplomatic efforts to advance peace, stability, and the realization of the Palestinian people’s inalienable rights.

Azerbaijan can contribute meaningfully to both the humanitarian recovery and the political resolution of the conflict

- How can Azerbaijan contribute to supporting peace efforts and humanitarian assistance in Palestinian territories, especially in Gaza?

Azerbaijan can play an important and constructive role in supporting both peace efforts and humanitarian assistance in Palestine, particularly in Gaza. As a respected member of the international community and an active voice within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Non-Aligned Movement, Azerbaijan is well positioned to advocate for justice, humanitarian access, and the protection of civilians. On the humanitarian level, Azerbaijan’s government have already demonstrated solidarity by extending aid. We look forward to expanding this cooperation in the fields of reconstruction, healthcare, education, and infrastructure, especially given Azerbaijan’s experience in post-conflict rehabilitation. Politically, Azerbaijan’s balanced and principled diplomacy can help strengthen international efforts toward a comprehensive and just peace, grounded in the two-state solution and in line with international law and UN resolutions. By engaging regional partners and supporting initiatives that uphold Palestinian rights and promote stability, Azerbaijan can contribute meaningfully to both the humanitarian recovery and the political resolution of the conflict. We deeply value Azerbaijan’s consistent support and believe its role will continue to grow as a bridge between regions, advocating for peace, justice, and human dignity.

Palestine produces high-quality products such as olive oil, dates, and handicrafts

- Are there specific areas of cooperation between Palestine and Azerbaijan you would like to see expanded, such as trade, education, or cultural exchange?

- Yes, there are several promising areas where we seek to expand cooperation between Palestine and Azerbaijan. Education remains a key priority, with a focus on increasing scholarship opportunities for Palestinian students in Azerbaijani universities and promoting joint academic research and institutional partnerships. Such collaboration strengthens human capacity and deepens the connection between our peoples. In culture and public diplomacy, we aim to broaden exchanges between artists, universities, and cultural institutions through initiatives in film, literature, and heritage that reflect our shared values and historical ties within the Islamic world. On the economic front, we see strong potential for enhancing trade relations and creating mechanisms that support the flow of goods between both countries. Palestine produces high-quality products such as olive oil, dates, and handicrafts that could find a market in Azerbaijan, while Azerbaijani expertise in construction, renewable energy, and digital technologies could benefit development projects in Palestine. Establishing a Palestine–Azerbaijan Business Council would help facilitate these exchanges, promote private-sector cooperation, and encourage mutual investment. Finally, we value Azerbaijan’s growing leadership in climate diplomacy and sustainable development, and we look forward to joint initiatives in these areas through regional and international forums. Together, these efforts aim to transform political friendship into tangible cooperation that benefits both nations.

- How does Palestine view regional cooperation mechanisms, including those led by Azerbaijan, in promoting stability and development in the Middle East?

Palestine strongly supports regional cooperation mechanisms that promote stability, development, and dialogue among nations. We view initiatives led or supported by Azerbaijan as valuable contributions to building bridges between regions and fostering a culture of peaceful coexistence based on mutual respect and international law. Azerbaijan’s leadership within platforms such as the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation of which it will assume the chairmanship in 2026—and the COP29 presidency on climate action reflects its constructive role in advancing multilateral diplomacy and sustainable development. These frameworks open valuable opportunities for joint projects in energy, education, innovation, and humanitarian assistance, which can directly contribute to the well-being and prosperity of peoples across the Middle East, including Palestine. For us, such frameworks are essential to transforming dialogue into concrete action linking humanitarian relief with long-term development and peacebuilding. We believe that through Azerbaijan’s engagement and its balanced diplomatic approach, regional cooperation can become a cornerstone for achieving stability, justice, and shared prosperity in our region.

- Looking ahead, what are the key priorities for the Palestinian diplomatic mission in Azerbaijan over the next few years?

In the coming years, our diplomatic Embassy in Azerbaijan will continue working to consolidate political cooperation, expand cultural and educational exchange, and strengthen economic and development partnerships between our two nations.

One of our primary goals is to deepen coordination in international and regional platforms such as the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Non-Aligned Movement, where both countries share a strong commitment to justice, multilateralism, and respect for international law.

We also aim to broaden academic and scientific cooperation, including scholarship programs, research initiatives, and university partnerships that empower Palestinian youth and build lasting institutional ties. In addition, we will focus on public diplomacy increasing people-to-people engagement through cultural events, exhibitions, and media cooperation that reflect our shared values and heritage.

Another key priority is to promote development cooperation, drawing on Azerbaijan’s experience in post-conflict reconstruction and sustainable development, particularly in areas such as infrastructure, renewable energy, and digital transformation.

Ultimately, our mission seeks to strengthen the foundations of the Palestinian–Azerbaijani partnership, transforming our close political friendship into tangible outcomes that benefit both peoples and contribute to peace, progress, and mutual understanding.

The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, continues to lead diplomatic efforts to achieve a just and comprehensive peace, reaffirming its adherence to international legitimacy and the two-state solution

- The recent conflict between Israel and Hamas has ended with an agreement. How realistic do you think it is for the parties to pursue dialogue and a peaceful resolution moving forward?

- Any meaningful dialogue or sustainable peace requires a foundation of justice and respect for international law. While ceasefire agreements may bring temporary calm, they cannot achieve lasting peace unless the root causes of the conflict occupation, blockade, and denial of Palestinian rights—are addressed. The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, continues to lead diplomatic efforts to achieve a just and comprehensive peace, reaffirming its adherence to international legitimacy and the two-state solution. Under the leadership of President Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian Authority has consistently emphasized that peace can only be built on mutual recognition, respect for international law, and an end to all unilateral Israeli actions that undermine negotiations.

However, dialogue cannot succeed under conditions of continued settlement expansion, collective punishment, and violations of international humanitarian law. For genuine peace to be possible, the international community must play a stronger role in ensuring accountability and providing guarantees for the implementation of agreements. The key lies in creating an environment where negotiations are not merely tactical pauses but steps toward ending the occupation and achieving the legitimate national rights ofthe Palestinian people, including self-determination and statehood. We remain open to dialogue that is genuine, balanced, and grounded in the principles of justice, equality, and mutual recognition.

The Palestinian Authority is fully prepared and institutionally capable of assuming its responsibilities in Gaza

- What is your assessment of the Palestinian Authority’s ability to oversee and manage the situation in Gaza in the coming months?

- The Palestinian Authority is fully prepared and institutionally capable of assuming its responsibilities in Gaza. The Authority has well-structured ministries, professional civil servants, and experienced security and administrative bodies that have managed governance in the West Bank effectively despite challenging circumstances. In recent months, the Palestinian government has updated its emergency and reconstruction plans for Gaza, focusing on restoring essential services, rebuilding infrastructure, and reuniting institutions under legitimate national authority. These plans are ready to be implemented in coordination with international and regional partners once access and stability are ensured. We extend our deep appreciation to His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev, the Government of Azerbaijan, and the Azerbaijani people for their continued support and generosity toward Palestine. Under the wise leadership of President Aliyev, Azerbaijan has demonstrated humanitarian commitment, principled solidarity, and consistent advocacy for justice and peace, all of which are deeply valued by the Palestinian leadership and people. We also look to Azerbaijan’s remarkable experience in the reconstruction and development of its liberated territories as an inspiring model. The knowledge, expertise, and strategic planning demonstrated by Azerbaijan in rebuilding these areas offer valuable lessons for Palestine as we prepare to reconstruct Gaza and restore normal life to our people. We believe that cooperation and exchange of expertise in this field can play a significant role in strengthening our national recovery efforts. However, for this process to succeed, it is vital that the blockade is lifted, external interference is halted, and international support is directed through legitimate Palestinian institutions. The goal is not merely administrative control, but the restoration of unified governance across all Palestinian territories, based on legitimacy, accountability, and national unity.

Hamas has a responsibility to align with the broader national interest and respect the commitments under international law 

- How does the Palestinian leadership view the future role or fate of Hamas within Palestinian politics?

- The Palestinian leadership believes that national unity and political inclusion are essential for the future of the Palestinian cause. The goal is not to exclude anyone but to ensure that all political actors, including Hamas, operate within the framework of national legitimacy represented by the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), which remains the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people .Any future political arrangement must be based on the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and the peaceful transfer of power. The leadership has repeatedly called for reconciliation, national dialogue, and elections that would allow all factions to participate under one unified system and one legitimate authority. Hamas, like other political movements, has a responsibility to align with the broader national interest and respect the commitments of the State of Palestine under international law and signed agreements. The future of Palestinian politics depends on ending division, restoring institutional unity, and working collectively toward the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

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