Relations between Azerbaijan and Ukraine have entered a new stage in recent years and are being developed more in the humanitarian sphere. This approach is not accidental and stems from Azerbaijan’s state policy. As a country that has historically suffered from conflicts, Azerbaijan considers it its moral duty to support peoples in similar situations.
Member of the Milli Majlis Vugar Iskandarov told APA, that Azerbaijan, as a country that has faced violations of its territorial integrity for many years, deeply understands the humanitarian consequences of war. For this reason, official Baku provides humanitarian assistance to people living in various regions, including Ukraine. This assistance covers not only material support but also social and psychological aid.
Humanitarian direction is the main line of cooperation
Vugar Iskandarov noted that one of the most important directions of humanitarian cooperation is the rehabilitation of children affected by war. According to him, children suffer the most severe psychological impact of war, which seriously affects their future lives: “For several years now, rehabilitation programs have been implemented in Azerbaijan for children from Ukraine. Within the framework of these programs, children receive both medical and psychological support, and at the same time gain opportunities to adapt to the social environment. In the near future, it is also planned to implement similar programs for Ukrainian students. These initiatives serve to further strengthen humanitarian bridges between the two countries.”
Energy and humanitarian support continue in parallel
According to the deputy, the situation caused by damage to energy infrastructure in Ukraine has created serious difficulties for the civilian population. Hospitals, social facilities and residential areas suffer from a shortage of electricity: “In this context, Azerbaijan continues its humanitarian support to Ukraine by sending electric generators. This step serves to ensure people’s daily lives and to protect particularly vulnerable groups. Such practical assistance is an example of the sincere approach Azerbaijan demonstrates toward friendly and partner countries.”
Diaspora factor
Noting that people-to-people ties occupy a special place in Azerbaijan–Ukraine relations, Vugar Iskandarov said that a large Azerbaijani diaspora operates in Ukraine. This diaspora plays an important role in the development of cultural, social and economic ties between the two peoples: “Diaspora organizations contribute to strengthening friendly relations between the two countries through various projects, events and initiatives. This, in turn, creates conditions for making interstate relations more sustainable and long-term.”
Experience sharing in mine clearance and reconstruction
Azerbaijan is one of the countries with rich experience in mine clearance. The deputy stated that after the liberation of territories that had been under occupation for many years, extensive work has been carried out in this field and significant technological capabilities have been formed: “In the future, Azerbaijan can expand cooperation in this area by providing Ukraine with equipment and expert support for mine clearance. At the same time, Azerbaijan has unique experience in reconstruction and rebuilding, and it is possible to share this knowledge with Ukraine.”
Political relations: balanced and principled approach
As an independent state, Azerbaijan shapes its foreign policy based on national interests. According to Vugar Iskandarov, the country’s bilateral and multilateral relations are never directed against third parties: “Azerbaijan supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states, and this principle forms the basis of international law. Without adherence to these principles, stability and security in the world are not possible. Azerbaijan understands the importance of this issue well from its own historical experience.”
Neutral position on the conflict
The deputy emphasized that Azerbaijan does not participate in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia in any form and remains completely distant from this war. According to him, official Baku supports resolving this conflict only through dialogue and mutual understanding.
Vugar Iskandarov added that Azerbaijan, as one of the diplomatic centers of the region, could in the future serve as a platform for peace talks. He believes that Azerbaijan’s balanced and objective position allows it to act as a reliable mediator in this direction.
By the way, it should be recalled that President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in his press statement today in Gabala with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, proposed holding negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Azerbaijan. He noted that if the Russian side also agrees, such a meeting could be held in Azerbaijan.
Zelenskyy’s statement is another confirmation of Azerbaijan’s balanced, objective and neutral position.
Example of a balanced foreign policy
In general, Azerbaijan gives preference to a balanced approach in relations between different states. The policy pursued by official Baku is based on mutual respect. In this regard, the deputy recalled Azerbaijan’s balanced position during periods when relations between Russia and Georgia were tense. He noted that even during the most tense period between Russia and Georgia, Azerbaijan continued cooperation with both countries: “Today, Azerbaijan is developing relations with both Ukraine and Russia, and these relations are based on mutual interests. This approach strengthens the country’s position as a reliable partner in the international arena.”
The deputy added that relations between Azerbaijan and Ukraine are developing in line with the interests of both sides: “At the same time, Azerbaijan is also developing relations with Russia. The tension that arose between the two countries some time ago has already been resolved. Strategic allied relations between Azerbaijan and Russia serve the interests of both countries.”
Vugar Iskandarov said that Azerbaijan strives to develop relations between countries it considers friendly and supports this process. According to him, this constitutes one of the fundamental principles of the foreign policy pursued by official Baku.
Economic cooperation and potential in the energy sector
Economic cooperation also holds an important place in Azerbaijan–Ukraine relations. The deputy noted that there is significant potential for expanding cooperation in the energy sector. Azerbaijan’s energy projects cover a wide geography, and this experience can also be used in cooperation with Ukraine: “SOCAR’s fuel stations operating in Ukraine contribute to the development of bilateral economic relations. This is important both for expanding business relations and strengthening mutual cooperation in the energy sector.”
It should be noted that President Ilham Aliyev also, in his joint press statement today in Gabala with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, highlighted cooperation in the energy sector among the issues discussed, in addition to political dialogue. The head of state emphasized that SOCAR has been successfully operating in Ukraine for many years, and at the same time there are very good prospects and joint projects.
Mutual interests and principles of friendship
Vugar Iskandarov emphasized that relations between Azerbaijan and Ukraine are developing on the basis of mutual interests and principles of friendship: “Steps taken in the humanitarian sphere serve to further strengthen these ties. Azerbaijan intends to expand cooperation with Ukraine in various directions in the future. This cooperation will contribute both to regional stability and to the further deepening of ties between the two peoples.”
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